Girlfriends Golf Experience

Whether you’re brand-new to golf, or have been playing for years, our events are the most fun you’ll ever have learning the rules.

AND YOU’RE GUARANTEED TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS!

Marcela holds a USGA Advanced Rules Certification

Girlfriends Golf Experience

During your time on the course with Marcela, you’ll learn how to avoid penalties, prevent disagreements during competition, and lower your scores as you navigate the course more confidently and efficiently

We demonstrate and discuss rules and procedures for:

Teeing area rules
Taking relief from red & yellow penalty areas
How to take relief from cart paths, sprinklers and ground-under-repair
Common mistakes to avoid with unplayable lies
Differences between stroke play and match play
Most common penalties
New bunker rules
Avoiding two bad habits scrambles can cause
When you may pick up during a hole
How to keep a light atmosphere during a competitive round
7 winning tips to guarantee better pace-of-play

And so much more!

What the ladies are saying!

Level One Girlriends Golf Experience

No one wants to sit in a classroom and listen to someone talk about the rules, right? (I mean, poke me in the eye why don’t you?)

During The Girlfriends Golf Experience, Marcela brings you on the course to demonstrate the most important rules in golf. She shares how to handle those sticky situations that can come up when playing with friends or competitors. After attending this clinic, you will go home feeling more confident about how to apply the rules to your advantage . And there’s always plenty of time for your questions!

Four Hands-On Experiences:

Level One Rules Clinic:

This rules clinic is for you if you’re newer to golf, haven’t yet played in tournaments, feel overwhelmed by all the rules and etiquette, and want to be more comfortable on the course with friends, family or colleagues.

Level Two Rules Clinic:

Participants in this intermediate clinic have played in organized events such as guest days, member/member, member/guest and have played golf for at least five years.

Winning Prep For Tournaments:

This advanced golf rules clinic is perfect if you have been playing for many years, have competed in several tournaments, play on a golf league, have experience with Match Play, or have studied the rules in the past.

The More Confident Golf Experience:

This interactive, half-day golf school is geared towards individuals who have been playing at least two years. Along with my colleague, sports psychologist Dr. Shannon Reece, we provide the ultimate in confidence-building tools for your swing, mental game and mastery of the rules.

Are you tired of letting uncertainty weigh down your golf game? It’s time to take control and transform your experience on the course. During The More Confident Golf Experience, we offer a straightforward solution to help you play with confidence from tee to green. By mastering the technical aspects of your game, cultivating winning mental habits, improving your rules knowledge, and navigating the social dynamics of both casual and competitive rounds, you’ll set yourself up for success with every shot.

During this exclusive half-day golf school, you’ll receive personalized, hands-on training focused on empowering you in three key areas: technical skills, mental fortitude, and a deep understanding of the rules. Our expert teaching staff includes sports psychologist Dr. Shannon Reece and Marcela Smith, a USGA certified rules educator, and two PGA teaching professionals. Together, they will equip you with the tools and strategies to boost your confidence, lower your scores, and ultimately make golf more enjoyable than ever before.

Enjoy Three Powerful Segments:

Confident Pre-Shot Routine Formula with Dr Shannon Reece: Develop a winning mental approach for every shot
On-Course Rules & Strategies with Marcela Smith: Dive deep into the rules, course behavior and strategies for both casual and competitive play
Putting Clinic with PGA Teaching Pros: Personalized, hands-on clinic to enhance your putting game and put an end to those three putts!

"As a Head Golf Professional it is crucial that I am up-to-date on all of the rules of golf. It's easy when teaching the golf swing to forget about some of the most important factors of the game: rules and etiquette. Being a part of Marcela’s rules clinic was so valuable to not only my students, but me as well. It was a great refresher and she was so professional and fun!"

Nikki Prichard, PGA

Head Golf Professional, Arrowood Golf Club

Golfing Girlfriend?

Golf should be fun rather than intimating.

The On-Course Rules Experience is a fun time on the course, and a fabulous way to learn the game of golf.

Get your teaching pro involved and we’ll add a clinic for short game or bunkers, or perhaps a 9 hole round.

Let’s throw in a trunk show, cocktail hour and now we’re talking!

Gather a few of your golfing girlfriends and we’ll set up an event that fits perfectly for your group.

If that sounds like something you would want, reach out!

Golf Professional Inquiry?

Want to help your team better enjoy the game of golf and gain more confidence? We tailor the level of the class to your teams’ experience level and include delightful demonstrations, Q&A’s and laughter.

Being on their home course allows the students to apply what they learn immediately, which enables them to retain the information.

We often add a short-game clinic featuring your PGA teaching pro or a guest instructor, followed by a cocktail hour, trunk show or other social activity

If you’d like to help your ladies learn the rules, and show them how much they’re valued at your club, let’s chat!

Here's what we've been up to lately:

Clear Creek Tahoe
Carson City, Nevada

During our Girlfriends Golf Experience, we utilized workbooks to review key terms, popular formats, and procedures for both free relief and penalty relief. We then headed out to the golf course to explore a variety of situations golfers find themselves in and discussed the most important rules of the game. Our time together boosted their confidence and knowledge, which will lead to improved communication, more efficient pace-of-play, lower scores and increased enjoyment of the game.

First Tee of Greater Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Marcela headed out to Haggin Oaks to spend two hours on the golf course with 14-28 year old junior golfers from the First Tee program.

The kids worked in customized workbooks, and we covered the most important rules for stroke play competitions, including provisional ball rules, unplayble lies, bunker rules, relief from penalty areas, ground under repair and teeing area rules.

Laconia Country Club

Laconia, New Hampshire

The rules of golf can be tricky and are constantly evolving, but understanding them is crucial for every golfer. During our on-course rules experience at Laconia Country Club, we began with appetizers and wine indoors as I shared an overview of the specific areas of the course, the most common formats, penalty structure and important terms. We then headed out to the course on foot, breaking down the most common rules players encounter. We explored key areas like penalty areas, unplayable lies, and important procedures for provisional balls. I shared valuable tips on improving pace of play and strategies for managing stress during competition.

By the end of our clinic, the ladies had gained practical knowledge they could immediately begin using to improve their scores and reduce misunderstandings on the course.

Bald Peak Colony Club

Moultonborough, New Hampshire

Conducting a golf rules clinic at the historic Bald Peak Colony Club in New Hampshire was a truly special experience. With stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the 100-year-old club provided a picturesque setting for a day of learning.

We began in a shady spot near the clubhouse, enjoying the lake views while discussing competitive rounds and the day’s agenda. From there, we moved to the first hole, where we explored essential rules including penalty areas, bunkers, unplayable lies, and free relief from immovable obstructions. The ladies asked great questions about both match and stroke play, and we clarified important putting green rules.

We also covered teeing areas, lost and provisional balls, and caddie rules, equipping the members with practical knowledge for their next rounds.

After the on-course session, we enjoyed a lovely reception with passed appetizers and wine. The relaxed atmosphere made for a perfect setting to continue the conversation with a Q&A, allowing the women to delve deeper into the rules and share their thoughts on the day.

By the end of the clinic, the ladies not only gained a better understanding of the rules but also enjoyed the camaraderie of learning in such a beautiful location. It was a memorable day of golf and fellowship at Bald Peak Colony Club.

Montreux Golf & Country Club

Washoe County, Nevada

Sports Psychologist Dr. Shannon Reece and Marcela Smith brought The More Confident Golf Experience to Montreux. Renowned Sports Psychologist Dr. Shannon Reece guided 24 players in unlocking the mental side of their game. Through her step-by-step, hands-on technique, both the men and women of Montreux discovered how to eliminate fear and distractions, allowing them to stay focused and play with greater clarity and purpose.

After a swing analysis and short game clinic led by PGA professionals John Hermans, Warren Pineo, and Jan Usher, Marcela Smith took the players onto the course to gain hands-on experience with the rules of golf in real-life scenarios. Members learned important new golf rules, and how to prevent misunderstandings during competitive rounds, elevating not only their enjoyment, but also their confidence in handling challenging situations on the course.

River Forest

Naples, Florida

This two-day event at River Forest Country Club was a perfect blend of education, fun, and socializing. From the Girlfriends Golf Experience to the co-ed clinic, the members not only improved their knowledge of golf rules but also enjoyed the sense of community that comes with sharing these experiences.

Level One Girlfriends Golf Experience Despite a little rain, the ladies of River Forest were determined to make the most of their day. We began the afternoon with an hour of instruction indoors, where the ladies sipped on wine and enjoyed appetizers while reviewing the foundation for the rules, the specific areas of the course, match play vs stroke play, and basic relief procedures.

Once the light rain stopped, we ventured out to their beautiful golf course. This segment was all about recreating rule scenarios in a real-world setting, giving the ladies a chance to experience and apply the rules in action. By addressing common situations that golfers face during a round, the participants became more confident in their decision-making and rules knowledge.

The day concluded with a lively cocktail hour featuring refreshments and a trunk show from the fabulous Golftini clothing line. It was the perfect way to wrap up an afternoon of learning, camaraderie, and, of course, some retail therapy!

Co-Ed Level Two Clinic The following day, we shifted gears for our Level Two clinic, welcoming both men and women for a deeper dive into more advanced golf rules. The morning kicked off with a delicious breakfast indoors as participants fueled up for the day ahead. Afterward, we headed out to the course, where we covered complex rule scenarios and discussed strategies for confidently navigating tricky situations during play.

This co-ed clinic provided a great opportunity for members to challenge themselves while enjoying a beautiful day on the course. By the end of the session, everyone left with a better understanding of how to apply the rules in a way that enhances their game and improves their overall experience on the course.

Tiburón Golf Club

Naples, florida

Tiburón Golf Club hosted The More Confident Golf Experience with Dr. Shannon Reece and Marcela Smith in February, 2024. Hands-on instruction allows golfers to put theory into practice immediately, fostering a deeper understanding of golf strategies. Limiting the size of the group allows for personalized attention and time for individual questions so we can tailor our guidance to address each golfer's unique needs. This individualized approach not only accelerates skill development but also instills confidence and motivation in participants as they witness real-time improvements in their game and understanding of rules and course etiquette. Furthermore, the camaraderie and support within the group setting create a dynamic learning atmosphere where participants can learn from one another's questions and experiences. Ultimately, the combination of hands-on instruction and personalized attention in a group golf school maximizes learning outcomes and enhances the overall experience for every participant.

CLEAR CREEK
TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

Marcela taught two separate clinics at Clear Creek this summer. The first was a ladies' Level One clinic from 4-6 p.m., followed by a fantastic buffet of appetizers in the beautiful new clubhouse. During the clinic we focused on the foundational basics including penalty relief vs. free relief, taking drops within the relief area, putting greens, teeing areas, penalty areas, and lots of time on course behavior and etiquette. The second clinic was a co-ed Level Two clinic, also out on the course. We spent a good amount of time discussing formats for upcoming men’s tournaments, and the unique nuances in the rules for match play competition.

THE VINTAGE CLUB
INDIAN WELL, CALIFORNIA

34 members of The Vintage Club enjoyed a delicious luncheon, followed by 90 minutes on the 16th hole of their spectacular course. This Level One Clinic included provisional balls, unplayable lies, penalty area options, putting green rules, 7 simple ways to improve pace-of-play, tournament strategies, and much more!

MEADOWOOD GOLF COURSE
FT. Pierce, Florida

Girlfriends Golf Experience at Meadowood Golf Club in Ft Pierce, Florida. At this late afternoon clinic, we headed out to a challenging hole on the course to learn the rules. We were joined by LPGA tour player Jackie Stoelting who added personal stories from the tour.

PALMIRA GOLF CLUB
Napels, florida

More Confident Golf Clinic at Palmira Golf Club, Naples, Florida. Dr Shannon Reece, Nathan Groce and Marcela co-led a three hour event featuring mental game. A three hour event featuring technical, strategic and mental game tactics to improve your game

THE CROSBY
RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIFORNIA

Advanced Rules & Competition Strategy The Crosby Golf Club hosted the ladies team captains from the local golf league for this advanced clinic where we focused on specific rules for Four Ball Match Play. After our clinic on the 18th hole, The Crosby hosted our ladies for a casual round on their spectacular golf course.

LAHONTAN GOLF CLUB
TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA

We headed to the challenging 17th hole at Lahontan and enjoyed a 90 minute interactive rules clinic, followed by a delicious lunch at the clubhouse.

THE SATICOY CLUB
Ventura, CALIFORNIA

The Saticoy club recently hosted an LPGA Tour event. The members and guests enjoyed a beginning level golf rules clinic, followed by a delicious lunch in the beautiful clubhouse.

THE SANTALUZ CLUB
San Diego, CALIFORNIA

This special clinic included on course swing strategies and tips from Jeremy Clevenger, PGA Director of golf at The Santaluz Club.

THE CROSBY GOLF CLUB
RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIFORNIA

Back for a second year in a row at The Crosby, this event covered competition strategies including how to keep a light atmosphere and prevent scoring conflicts during a tournament, how to keep score for a better ball format (including when and how to pick up if you’re out of the hole) and 7 concrete strategies for better pace-of-play. And of course we covered all the basics on putting green rules & etiquette, unplayable lies, penalty areas and bunkers.

WOMEN ON COURSE - ARROYO TRABUCO GOLF COURSE
Mission Viejo, California

Women On Course co-hosted a Girlfriends Golf Experience with us at Arroyo Trabucco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. We focused on pace-of-play, how to prepare for your round, golf etiquette (especially on the putting green) defined areas of the course, important definitions, scoring, and creating friendships on the course. We finished off the evening with cocktail and delicious food on the beautiful patio. The Women On Course ladies are a ton of fun and we’ll be co-hosting more fun events this summer!

BUTTERFIELD GOLF COURSE
OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS

We started in the elegant clubhouse and reviewed the defined areas of the course, terminology, etiquette, types of penalties, and differences between stroke and match play. Then we headed out to the course and reviewed the rules for teeing areas, provisional balls, unplayable lies, abnormal course conditions, bunkers and putting greens.

THE CROSSING
Carlsbad, California

Breakfast, Rules Clinic and 18 Hole Scramble at The Crossings Golf Club

ROYAL FOX COUNTRY CLUB ROYAL
ST CHARLES, ILLINOIS

On one of the coldest days of Spring, even though the ladies had the option to have our clinic inside the clubhouse, the ladies chose to brave the cold and we headed out to the course for the Golf Rules Experience. We returned to the beautiful clubhouse for appetizers and drinks, and to warm up our bodies!

THE GROVE COUNTRY CLUB
LONG GROVE, ILLINOIS

We started out with a XXIO demo day,comparing stats with our own clubs and the new XXIO Eleven ladies golf clubs, followed by a 90 minute On-Course Rules Experience, and ended the afternoon with cocktails and appetizers in the clubhouse.

KEENE TRACE GOLF CLUB
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

Two day Girlfriends Golf Experience, which included a cocktail party, dinner and shopping experience, breakfast, On-Course Rules Experience, 9 hole competitive event, mint juleps, awards and luncheon. Truly one of the best Girlfriends Golf Events we’ve ever had!