Well, it would seem that the golf season is coming to a rather soft and soggy close. I don't know how it's been where you smack 'em around but, here in Kent, Ohio (yes, Ben Curtis'- Kent, Ohio) it has been wet, wet and more wet.

Just last week, I asked our league starter, " why do we have to pay full price for our carts, since they haven't been off the paths since the first day?" He tried to explain it was a "per use" fee and not a "per distance" deal. But, I still think we're getting the short end.

One thing about rainy days, it is very conducive to reading. Like I need an excuse to read. But, there's too much guilt attached with reading when it's sunny and I could be golfing. So, for the last couple of weeks, I've taken to reading golf books. I figure if I can't be "out there" I can at least learn what to do, if and when I ever do get out on the course.

Any one who has never read any of Harvey Penick's books, especially, "For All Who Love the Game 'Lessons and Teachings for Women,'" you don't know what you're missing! Written in a Will Rogers-ery down home style, they are a delight. And besides gaining insight to some of the top golfers today, you actually learn a lot. And not the least of which is...enjoy yourself!

It seems, more and more, we women are catching up with the men when it comes to putting pressure on ourselves to "win." For the vast majority of us, golf is an outlet. A way for us to get some exercise, develop our skills and enjoy being outdoors with other women. Very few of us are out there for a green jacket or a gazillion dollar endorsement deal. So why all the angst?

I'm not saying that going out with duffers is always a delight, but neither is playing with the gal who constantly chirps, "did I take that point...I took that last hole...geez, one more hole and it's all over for you." Granted, there are, depending on the level of the players in your league, one or two ladies who are just plain "better golfers." But there's a world of difference between a better golfer and a better player! I personally strive for better player, in everything, not just golf. It just seems to make life a little more enjoyable!

Back to the books. There is another one that I highly recommend, " A View from the Red Tees," by Dorothy Langley. With chapters, like: "Women Golfers Make the Best Friends" and "Women Enjoy the Game" it's a book that goes the distance with remarkable accuracy.

Ms. Langley has skillfully put together a guide for the woman golfer, without ever addressing any of the actual mechanics of the sport. She details how women play differently than men (note I did not say, "worse"). She offers guidance for the single woman on the course, as well as how to play a round (sorry) with your spouse! Also, she talks about "networking" and finding "Mr. Good Ball" on the golf course.

She sites some interesting statistics too. Did you know the golf industry brings in about $15 to $20 billion per year? And of that, women make up only about 20 percent of all golfers. But, we buy 50 percent of all golf products! Add to this the fact that half of all golfers who are trying golf for the first time are women...means, bottom line, we are a growing market, a financial force to be recognized!

And last but not least, there's the newest issue of Golf for Women. Since I would love to write a humor column for them (anyone out there who can wield any influence, we need to talk) I won't say anything bad about them. But, there's always a but - it would be nice to see a "real" sized model once and a while. Since I don't know if the pretty girls, in the cute matching outfits actually golf, I find it a little difficult to believe they actually eat! But if they do, it's a sure bet it aint a hot dog and chips at the turn.

I just checked my "weather bug" on my computer and it tells me that the chance of showers is only about 75 percent for this afternoon. Which means, I have a 25 percent chance of getting in a quick 9 holes - that said... I'm "outta here!"