At the recent ING (International Network of Golf) conference in Pinehurst, N.C., a panel of women golfers talked about the importance of women in the golf industry. Surprisingly, many of the questions came from men where the reasons women play continues to remain a conundrum to some.

After all we can't hit the ball as far and the time commitment can be staggering especially when trying to juggle taking care of the household, getting the kids to soccer and camps, having dinner on the table at the end of the day and keeping the social calendar organized.

Obstacles for women golfers are indeed formidable starting with the "Big I" ... the intimidation factor. Just the idea of horning in on the good 'ol boys game can be enough to send you back to baking cookies. Just check out how many clubs limit the times women can play.

Then there's the equipment. Making clubs and bags pink and baby blue just doesn't cut it. Technically they should be as cutting edge as the men's sticks. If you're a tad above average in height, you either need to have custom clubs made or choose a men's set with the proper flex shaft.

Only Nancy Lopez has dedicated her equipment manufacturing to ladies-only clubs. And there are some enlightened manufacturers really working to market to women like Tour Edge (www.touredge.com) which has introduced their sharp Moda Silk set at a reasonable price of $599 including bag and headcovers.

And what about information? Many women-oriented golf magazines have bit the dust including Golf Digest Woman and Golf for Women. Still there is hope as a couple new launches have moved in to fill the void including www.GolfDigestWoman.com and the new magazine "Ladies Links Fore."

In spite of all the obstacles, those of us who love the game and see its potential as a lifetime passion, persist. More than 6.6 million play at least three rounds of golf per year and 24 percent of all golfers are women. Most want to be seen as golfers first, women second.

Barb Hanson, president Corporate Golf Services, says, "More women need to be playing golf for business." Think about it. Instead of being shunted off to go shopping or get a hot rocks massage at the spa while the guys head to the course where business relationships can be nurtured, you could be stepping up to the tee and be part of all those juicy networking possibilities.

Getting from the "Good idea. I need to take up this game," stage to the point where you are comfortable playing in a golf outing can take a whole lot of work and indomitable, courage.

To encourage women to play, Hanson suggests starting with establishing non-threatening programs to introduce the game like lunch seminars on golf at your office where you can learn things like how to dress, course etiquette, and where to sign up for instruction.

She also recommends full-day clinics at courses where a tournament is taking place. "If you don't bring in women while the men are playing, you're missing the boat," says Hanson. "It's an opportunity lost."

And let's not forget the importance of the social aspect of golf. "Food and wine is always good," she says. Starting out with fun, simple tournaments, perhaps on a par-three, can also be good.

Golf course architect Jan Bel Jan, who worked with Tom Fazio for several years before establishing her own firm, Jan Bel Jan Green by Design, stressed the importance of designing good tee placements.

"Thoughtful positioning of forward tees to create a fun, but challenging experience for women, is one of the least expensive ways to increase enjoyable rounds, speed of play, family use and revenue for golf facilities," she said. Bel Jan also noted the importance of rating the front two tees, not just the forward tee to accommodate different levels of golfers.

The bottom line: make it accessible, make it fun and they will come. Margaritas afterwards? Perfect.

Click here to leave a comment for Katharine Dyson.