The fifth Women's Play Golf America Day event hosted by The PGA of America attracted more than 150, May 17, at Stonewater Golf Club in Highland Heights, Ohio.

Northern Ohio PGA Section Vice President Chad Seymour of Westfield Center, Ohio, was joined by 15 Section professionals who provided instruction throughout the day.

Women players, including 40 percent either new or beginners, were divided into three groups focusing on the long game, short game, and putting.

Renee Powell of East Canton, Ohio, the 2003 PGA First Lady of Golf and Faith Egli - each holding dual PGA and LPGA membership - conducted a clinic with individual follow-up instruction during the one-hour sessions.

"I thought that is was a fantastic day, and one where many of us - the PGA Professional - learned by watching and listening to Renee Powell how to better teach women players," said Seymour. "Any chance that you get to grow that facet of the game is wonderful. I believe that if you can get a group of women to be a part of an event like this, you can get them hooked on golf.

"It's about having fun and watching them get the ball in the air. One thing that we all need to work on is more club fitting clinics or events for women. We have a day at Westfield [Group Country Club] where we devote the entire day to club fitting the women members. They should not have to use men's clubs and should have properly-fitted clubs to better enjoy the game."

Powell said that she was encouraged by the turnout at the event.

"I was very pleased to see the number of women from a variety of backgrounds and abilities turn out for this Play Golf America event," said Powell. "I thought everyone had a great time and we know how important it is to keep women in the game."

Overall, the demographics for Women's Play Golf America Day at Stonewater Golf Club follow:

40 percent - New or Beginning golfers
17 percent - Minority golfers
Average Age - 47

For more information about Play Golf America programs, visit PlayGolfAmerica.com.