Elisa Gaudet made some noise for Women’s Golf Day last year by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
That’s just par for the course for Gaudet. With more than 20 years’ experience in the golf industry and her own love for the sport (she’s been playing since the age of 12), she founded Women’s Golf Day (WGD) in 2016 to engage, empower and support women in the sport.
The West Palm Beach resident’s passion for golf extends to her professional life as well. She is a founding partner of Executive Golf International, a golf consulting firm offering marketing, sales, public relations and advertising services promoting golf and golf-related projects. She’s also a sought-after speaker and guest on TV and radio, an accomplished author and a former actor and model.
Women’s Golf Day, a one-day event on the first Tuesday in June (this year’s event will be June 7), is a collaboration of golf management companies, retailers and golf organizations. It has grown from a grassroots effort to a global event with 880 locations in 80 countries and counting. Its focus is exposing women to the game of golf and teaching them skills that can last a lifetime.
The pandemic saw a rise in the number of women playing golf, Gaudet says, because it’s safely played outdoors. “The data shows that women are quick to try golf, but quick to leave. We want to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore with a format that’s short, fun and engaging,” she adds.
Through WGD, Gaudet wants to change the perception that golf is too time-consuming, expensive or elitist, and to retain golfers who may not feel comfortable on the course or confident with their level of play. She hopes the “perception versus reality” will shift when women experience WGD.
She adds, “You don’t have to be an avid golfer. You don’t have to follow Tiger Woods or the LPGA. We’re focusing on the mental health and physical health benefits of golf. It’s something one can do from a very young to a very old age.”
WGD’s four-hour format, replicated around the world, is fun for novice golfers as well as experienced ones. The event includes nine holes of golf, lessons or time on the driving range (depending on the venue) and two-hours of socializing. Venues include public, semi-public, private, resort courses and off-course retail locations.
Locations are encouraged to add a charitable component benefitting an organization relevant to that community.
Gaudet is particularly proud that WGD is established in six Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia and in Africa. “This is a real big deal for them,” she says. “It gives women prominence and shines a light on them and helps them advance in their situation, career or standing in society.”
WGD 2022 may find Gaudet celebrating in Rome at the women-owned Marco Simone Golf Course to promote Women’s Golf Day Travel trips, a partnership with Women’s Golf and Travel.
“Women helping other women is always great to see,” she says.