SouthWood Golf Club, one of Tallahassee’s finest, has been named one of the “Top 50 Courses for Women” by Golf For Women magazine.
Owned and operated by The St. Joe Company, SouthWood was voted onto the list at No. 45. Editors at Golf For Women cited the course’s women-friendly layout and multiple tee ratings for women, along with its progressive instructional, social and competitive programs. Additionally, SouthWood is one of the only facilities in the country with a female general manager, Beth Murphy, and director of instruction, Becky Sauers.
Beth Murphy came to SouthWood in 2006 from Myrtle Beach, where she was one of only three female general managers/head professionals among 120-plus golf courses. She has been instrumental in the start-up and continuation of a variety of activities for women golfers, including the popular Grove Park Ladies Match Play championship.
Becky Sauers, who heads up the Classical School of Golf and Lady Links at SouthWood, is a former president of the LPGA’s Southeast region and was instrumental in bringing the organization’s headquarters to Daytona Beach. She was also LPGA professional of the year in 1987 and has been recognized as a GOLF Magazine Top 50 female instructor and Top 100 teachers (male and female).
“We are honored to be named one of the top courses for women by such a widely-read and respected publication,” Murphy says. “This award is a validation of our commitment to attracting women to the game of golf and retaining their participation and interest level over time.”
A Golf For Women Top 50 Course must have at least one set of tees under 5,300 yards, and should have at least two under 6,000. A minimum of two tees must be rated for women. The course should have few forced carries from the forward tees, be in top condition and present a women-friendly environment. SouthWood Golf Club debuts on the list along with such high-profile courses as Running Y Ranch (Klamath Falls, Oregon), Celebration Golf Club (Celebration, Florida), Bandon Dunes Resort (Bandon, Oregon), Turning Stone Resort and Casino (Verona, New York) and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course (Fountain Hills, Arizona)
For more information about SouthWood Golf Club or call 850.942.4653.
