INSIDER SPOTLIGHT
ALISON FRANK PHOTOGRAPHY
FORE A GOOD CAUSE On June 7, join with golfers around the world in marking Women’s Golf Day, an annual global event founded in 2016 by West Palm Beach resident Elisa Gaudet. Held on the first Tuesday in June, Women’s Golf Day is a four-hour sporting celebration that spans 24 hours, beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii. During the first two hours, new golfers can receive lessons while practiced golfers enjoy two hours of ninehole play; the remaining two hours are a chance for both groups to mingle. The event has been hosted at 1,000 locations across 80 countries and aims to support women and girls in a historically male-dominated sport. Once a model and actress, Gaudet’s golfindustry experience ranges from spearheading marketing for the Tour de las Americas (Latin PGA Tour), to founding a golf marketing firm, to writing a syndicated monthly golf column. “After reading a number of research studies saying that women were quick to try golf but equally 24
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Meet two women charting their own COURSE in the world of golf
quick to leave, I created an event that speaks to women’s needs and wants: short format, non-intimidating, and for beginners and existing golfers,” says Gaudet. “Women’s Golf Day is able to get women started in golf and give them a community to engage with, for our events and beyond. I am passionate about connecting and empowering women—golf is just the vehicle.” According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of women golfers in the United States jumped by 450,000 in 2020, and women now make up a quarter of all golfers. Women’s Golf Day participants are encouraged to wear red and white, and cost varies by location. The Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course, Wellington National Golf Club, and local TopGolf facilities and PGA Tour Superstores usually participate, but visit the event’s website for the full list of golf courses, retail locations, and driving ranges. (womensgolfday.com)
KATIE CHASE
Going, Going, GOLF Golf Girl Locals love few things more than a hometown success and a good round of golf. An up-andcoming golfer to call our own? All the better. The future looks bright for 16-year-old Gabriella Albert, who was named the 2021 South Florida PGA Jr. Tour player of the year. “Being on the golf course allows me to be in my element,” Albert shares. “The golf course has always been a place for me to express myself and my desire to win.” Albert credits much of her success to growing up as a member of Mizner Country Club in Delray Beach. “At the age of 5, I started playing weekly in the Sunday clinic at Mizner Country Club. Most of the members have watched my golf game improve over the years and have encouraged me since I was a little girl. I have always loved how much the members care about my success.” Looking at her path so far, it seems there’s more to come.
PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED
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