Five Questions

Some of the best business deals might happen on the golf course, but getting in on them isn’t easy, especially if you’re a woman venturing into the traditionally male-dominated activity. Bridging that gap is what drove LPGA Class A golf professional (and daughter of golf pioneer Phil Galvano) Mary Galvano to pen her book, Ladies, Get a Grip: Playing Golf for Business and Pleasure the Feminine Way, which takes a low-key, personable approach to helping women feel confident on the golf course. The Florida native delves into the basics—such as what to take to the course and basic golf-swing and putting techniques—and she throws in a handy glossary of common terms as well as some etiquette tips for business and life.

1. How has golf’s role in business changed, and how is it different for men and women?

It has changed over the years as far as the availability of golf for women, for them to be able to play in a competitive range and also to have a career in it. It was usually just high-society women who played golf, but now it’s become sort of a marketing tool for both men and women and has been recognized as such.

2. What kinds of trends are you noticing in golfing for women?

[Being able to play golf] really wasn’t necessary at one time, and now I’m seeing more and more women needing to learn. The one thing that’s really taken off has been the clinics. One of them was [retired professional golfer] Jane Blalock for LPGA. She goes around and does clinics for executive women. The Executive Women’s Golf Association has really taken off. It’s no longer something unique; it’s more a part of a woman’s career and life.

3. How important is it for businesspeople to be able to play golf?

I’m not saying it’s the only way, but it’s not a bad thing to be able to say yes to your boss or a client [when they ask you] to play golf.

4. What made you realize there was a need for this kind of book, and why did you decide to write it?