Women learn the how-tos of networking on the golf course

Joanne McAfee, a financial consultant with SmithBarney, stood with her 7-iron in hand on an Astroturf mat, watching herself on the television screen.

McAfee was silhouetted against the blue sky, the brilliant green of the Thunder Canyon golf course and the surrounding mountains. In the video, McAfee watched herself swing the golf club then freeze. Golf academy instructor Adele Snyder was teaching her how to perfect her swing using a computer and video program.

Snyder then split the screen in two. On the right was a picture of how the golf pro had sculpted McAfee to swing; on the left was how she actually looked while swinging. It could be improved, Snyder said. McAfee needs to train her body to look like the picture on the right: butt stuck out, spine straight and knees bent.

McAfee wants to be known as a capable golfer who can play with her clients, not the woman who only owns one golf club.

"I have one golf club, a 7-iron that my friend gave me to help me practice," she said then laughed. "The guy at the golf club knows me as the woman who only has one golf club."

The five women in the evening class want to learn how to play golf, the instructor said, but the class also teaches women "golf-speak," so that they can compete in the mostly male world of golf.

And that world includes doing business on the course.

McAfee said golfing may not help you conduct business better, but it does give you a different venue to work with people.

This is the fourth class Carson City resident Robin Hodgkin has taken. She works at the Nevada Arts Council. She putts with her dad's putter and swings with her mom's seven iron.

"This gives women a chance to network with other women," Hodgkin said. "And so much business takes place on the golf course."

Janice Ono, an SBC associate director, is invited to a charity tournament every year though her work, but has declined because she didn't know how to play golf. Ono is determined to play in the next tournament.

"We've also learned golfing etiquette," she said. "Such as where to drive the cart, how not to hammer the tee down with the ball, and where to stand when others are swinging."

The place to stand is where your shadow isn't cast over the other golfer.

Francine Healy of Sparks was having trouble hitting the ball. The instructor took out a big, bright yellow "impact bag" and plopped it down in front of her.

Healy hit the bag with a loud, dull thump. This attracted the attention of all the students, who all said "Wow!" at the same time over the powerful of her hit.

"I was just thinking about how I couldn't hit the little ball," Healy said in an exasperated tone.

Information

WHAT: Women's

golfing classes, CONTACT: Thunder Canyon pro shop at

884-4597.

COST: $175 for five classes or $40 per class. Four classes are left in the session, but the instructor would like to see if there is any interest in a winter golf school.

Contact Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.