Mike Foster, the head pro at Gannon Municipal Golf Course in Lynn, has worked at the course for 44 years. He has seen a lot of changes.
“Way back, we did member foursomes and the women never played before 11:30 or 12 [weekends],” Foster said.
Foster estimates the percentage of women members at Gannon has increased from less than 2 percent, when he started, to its current rate of about 20 percent. So, whether the old — ahem — guard likes it or not, women golfers are vital to the success of the industry.
“It sure is,” said Mike Flynn, of Lakeview Golf Course in Wenham.
Chris Carter, the pro at Hillview Golf Course in North Reading, has paired with a local women’s networking group and is offering clinics sponsored by the PGA of America. Full story for BostonGlobe.com subscribers.
Maureen Mullen can be reached at mullen_maureen@yahoo.com.
