The Executive Women's Golf Association has announced a program to earn an official designation as a "women-friendly" facility, open to all golf facilities participating in the EWGA Golf Club Network. To merit the special designation, a facility must meet certain criteria rated on playability of the course and customer experience.

The network is designed to increase rounds and revenue while encouraging more women to play golf. Facilities pay a nominal annual fee and offer special rates for play, practice or instruction as a benefit to EWGA members. In return, the facilities are listed in the EWGA print and online directories, reaching the association's nearly 20,000 members whenever they are seeking places to play.

To earn the official "women friendly" designation, additional criteria must be met and golf courses are required to complete an application verifying how they meet the qualifications. Some of the factors include having at least two sets of tees rated for women, distance markers inside of 100 yards, clean restrooms available at least every 6 holes and providing equal services to men and women. For more visit http://www.ewga.com/ and click on the Golf Club Network.

"At the golf course, women don't want to feel they are being treated differently, they just want to be taken seriously," said EWGA CEO Pam Swensen. "This recognition program is a way for us to distinguish golf courses and management companies who understand the value of providing 'women friendly' facilities. A satisfied woman customer means more business--it's the power of the purse."