Ladies’ day

Richard Brian

Kaye Polivka gestures as she practices her drive during Women’s Play Golf America Day.

By Brent Hinckley

Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 | 4:27 p.m.

Kaye Polivka started playing golf less than a year ago.

So, when she heard about the opportunity to get free lessons, she jumped at the chance.

“I love the game. I play every Sunday and any other time I can find someone to play with,” she said. “I heard about this, so I thought I’d come get some lessons and get better.”

Polivka, a Summerlin resident and UNLV professor, participated in Women’s Play Golf America Day at Angel Park Golf Course, hosted by the UNLV professional golf management program.

“It’s great the students are out helping those of us who came out. It can be intimidating for a woman to come out and play,” Polivka said.

Christopher Cain, director of UNLV’s program, said his students enjoy hosting these type of events. There were 22 students giving the lessons.

“There’s 27 million golfers in the country and only 5 million are women,” Cain said. “This is part of our efforts to grow the game, and we want the women to walk away wanting to come back and play.”

The event took place on the driving range with stations set up for free lessons for hitting, chipping, putting and rules and etiquette of golf.

“I think having different teachers really helps. You can get someone who is really good at putting, then someone who can really help your swing,” Polivka said.

The PGA started holding Play Golf America events in 2004 to get more people involved in the sport.

Ron Stepanek, PGA of America senior manager of player development, said the PGA decided to hold a women’s only event in March of this year in Florida.

“We had 500 women show up. It was fantastic,” he said. “I think it’s easy for women to get intimidated, so when we wanted to create a more relaxed atmosphere.”

Colleen McKie, a Summerlin resident, said she’s getting back into the game after a 15 year hiatus.

“I enjoy golf, but I’ve been out of it for so long. I’m trying to relearn the techniques and intricacies of playing,” she said.

Shawna Richardson, a junior, is one of four females in UNLV’s program and was on hand to help give swing lessons.

“I think it shows you can be successful in the golf business, being a woman,” she said.

The event also helped raise money for the Folds of Honor Foundation. The foundation raises money for scholarships for spouses or children of military members who are killed or disabled in service.

Once Polivka finished getting advice on her swing, she found her way to the putting green to get help.

“My putting is lousy,” she said. “I hope they can help.”

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-2687 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.