There is no getting around it, the perception of golf is that it is a man’s game.
I mean where else do you find the “buddy trip,” an outing always reserved for a guy and his friends. It involves overnight stays, lots of social situations mixed in with multiple rounds of golf.
You never hear about a “ladies’ trip,” where a group of ladies’ head out of town for a weekend of golf and partying.
Well, if Ashley (Gomes) Kettmann and Michelle (Smith) Czarnik have anything to say about it – and I know they do – groups of golfing girls will soon be enjoying golf trips as well.
The two have started “Birdies Then Bubbles,” a group driven to bring the sport of golf to the masses of women, both already golfers and those that aspire to play.
Two women who love the game of golf and are passionate about growing women’s involvement within the game. The two want to empower other women to learn, play, and enjoy this wonderful sport.
“Golf is still a male dominated sport,” said Kettmann. “We want to create an environment where women feel comfortable on the course with other women.”
If you wanted a pair to incorporate a social aspect into learning about golf, followed by a couple drinks, all leading to a fun day/night of golf, you would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect duo.
Having known Kettmann for years now my initial response when she told me the name “Birdies Then Bubbles,” my response was, well that makes sense.
After playing at Foothill High, Kettmann took her game to San Jose State, followed by the professional ranks. She also spent two seasons on the Golf Channel show “The Big Break,” stealing the show both times. Now she’s a mother of four, still enjoying golf, and of course, having fun.
Czarnik grew up grew up in Danville and started playing golf at the age of six at Blackhawk Country Club. She later played for the boys’ golf team at Monte Vista High.
Taking a detour from college golf, Czanik started a career in the golf industry, working as an assistant pro at The Bridges, The Course at Wente Vineyards, and Palo Alto Hills Country Club in the years 1999-2007.
Along the way she also ran corporate and celebrity golf events, as well as taught junior and women beginner golfers.
Now a mother of two, Czarnik is the co-founder of BoxMedia (a professional skills enrichment education platform). She has seen the way she views golf change over the years, which in turn led to Birdies Then Golf.
“Changing from a competitive golf mindset to learning how fun and social the game truly can be is what led me to seeing how much of a need there is for more women out on the course,” said Czarnik.
The two played junior golf against each other with Kettmann playing at Castlewood and Czarnik at Blackhawk and have maintained a friendship over the years.
One day over lunch earlier this year the two came up with the concept and the name shortly followed.
“It’s just a fun play on words,” said Kettmann. “We wanted to make sure we didn’t take it too seriously – play some golf, hit some balls, and have a couple of drinks.”
Birdies Then Bubbles launched in April with a get together at a local Danville business where women-based companies came together for a social event that included shopping.
The first on course event came the first week in May when a women’s only clinic was held. The 90-minute event had 14 players, just two spots short of a sellout.
Currently they are working on clinics that take place at the Pleasanton Golf Center.
They are in the middle of a three-night event, taking place on Tuesdays, they are taking a break during the Alameda County Fair but will resume July 11.
With a maximum of 16 golfers per session, the events sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Participants pay one fee that includes the golf instruction and all the peripherals.
“We bring champagne, seltzer, snacks – everything,” explained Kettmann. “We even bring clubs in case someone doesn’t have any.”
Down the line there will be more extensive events.
For starters there will be a trip down to the Hay Course, the par 3 course at Pebble Beach that was designed by Tiger Woods. It will be for golfers of all abilities.
“The cost will include the bus, golf, drinks, and lunch,” said Kettmann. “You don’t have to be the best or an amazing golfer to have a great time.”
There is a bigger trip in the planning stages that will be down to the Palm Springs area.
“How often does the husband go on a golf trip with his buddies,” asked Kettmann. “Now the ladies will get a trip that will be so much more than golf. You’ve got spa treatments and just having a great time. My sister wants to go, and she doesn’t golf.”
It has been just a few months for Birdies Then Bubbles but the feedback has been great from the men of the ladies taking part.
“I think men are loving this idea,” said Kettmann. “Golf can be a family sport. We are only getting positive feedback from the spouses.”
Not to mention it will be easier for a husband to get out on a buddy trip if the wife has her chance to get away with her buddies.
“Exactly,” said Kettman. “Now both are getting opportunities.”
For more information, please email Kettmann and Czarnik at [email protected]. You can also follow them on Instagram at birdiesthenbubbles.
It’s an opportunity the duo says you cannot afford to miss.
“Just come out and give us a try,” said Kettman. “You are going to want to be a part of this. You won’t embarrassed – you will laugh and have a great time.”
By Dennis Miller