The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris Muscarella

Golf After 50: Play Smarter, Move Better & Stay Confident with Chiara Cantone Women’s Golf Wellness, Mobility, Strength & Longevity with Golf Specialist Chiara Cantone Is your golf game changing as you get older? You’re not alone—and your best golf doesn’t have to be behind you. In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella welcomes Chiara Cantone, physiotherapist and golf specialist, for an important conversation about women’s golf wellness, golf fitness after 50, mobility, strength, injury prevention, confidence, and longevity in the game. As women age, changes in flexibility, strength, recovery, and range of motion can affect the golf swing and overall performance. But instead of simply trying to swing harder, Chiara encourages women to understand their changing bodies and learn how to play smarter, move better, and build a golf routine that supports long-term performance and enjoyment. Why Golf Feels Different After 50 Your golf swing may not feel the same at 50, 60, or 70 as it did decades earlier—and that doesn’t mean you’ve “lost your game.” Chiara explains how reduced flexibility, strength, and slower recovery can influence rotation, stability, balance, and distance. Rather than fighting those changes, women can focus on improving the physical foundations that support a more efficient golf swing. One of the episode’s most important messages: When you feel stiff, that’s your cue to work on mobility. Don’t wait until discomfort interferes with your game. Functional Golf Fitness: Train for the Way You Play Chiara believes functional training is especially valuable for golfers because it focuses on movements actually used during the golf swing. Rather than training simply to build muscle, golfers can work on the ability to rotate, stabilize, hinge, balance, and transfer weight efficiently. Important areas include: Hip mobility and rotation Spine mobility Leg and glute strength Core stability Shoulder support Balance and functional movement Pilates and other functional movement programs may also help golfers develop strength and mobility together. Warm Up Before You Tee It Up Do you arrive at the golf course, grab your driver, and immediately start hitting balls? Chiara explains why a proper pre-round golf warm-up can help prepare the body for the movements required during a round. She recommends approximately 10–15 minutes of active movement before playing, including trunk rotations, hip openers, shoulder circles, and dynamic leg movements. When heading to the practice range, build progressively. Start with shorter clubs and gradually work toward longer clubs rather than beginning with a full-power driver swing. Warm up the way you want to play—smooth, controlled, and progressive. Stop Chasing Distance—Start Playing Smarter Losing distance can be frustrating, particularly when you compare your current game with how you played years ago. But trying to compensate by simply swinging harder may not be the answer. Chiara encourages women to focus on mobility, strength, efficient movement, course management, and realistic expectations. Instead of attacking every flag, study the hole, understand your distances, and break the challenge into manageable shots. The goal isn't to play like the golfer you were 20 years ago. It's to become the smartest and healthiest golfer you can be today. Turn Your Scorecard Into a Learning Tool One bad hole doesn’t have to define your round. Chiara suggests looking beyond the number on your scorecard and identifying why the hole went wrong. Was it a slice? A topped shot? Poor putting? Club selection? Course management? By identifying the actual mistake, golfers can turn their scorecard into a roadmap for smarter practice. Stop judging your round only by the total score. Use it as feedback. Golf Is More Than a Score One of the most valuable themes of the conversation is that golf isn't solely about performance. Golf provides opportunities for movement, time outdoors, friendship, community, confidence, travel, and connection. For women who begin golf later in life—or who are frustrated because their game is changing—this shift in perspective can help restore the joy of playing. You don't have to win every round for golf to be worthwhile. Three Pillars for Golf Longevity Chiara identifies three areas women can consider when thinking about staying active and engaged in golf: Mobility — Maintaining range of motion to support a comfortable, efficient golf swing. Wellness and recovery — Paying attention to how your body prepares for and recovers from golf. Community — Surrounding yourself with supportive women who encourage you to continue playing, learning, and enjoying the game. A supportive golf league, women’s golf organization, or regular foursome can be especially valuable for beginners and women who may feel intimidated entering the game. In This Episode, You’ll Discover Why golf can feel physically different for women after 50 How mobility and flexibility affect the golf swing Why functional strength matters for female golfers How hip, spine, leg, core, and shoulder mobility support golf performance Why swinging harder isn't always the answer to lost distance How to create an effective pre-round golf warm-up Why active movement can be valuable before playing How smarter course management can improve confidence How to use your scorecard as a learning tool Why community and supportive women can help golfers stay engaged How women can continue enjoying golf well into their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond Key Takeaways Move better before trying to swing harder. Improving mobility, stability, and functional strength can help support a more efficient golf swing. Prepare your body before the first tee. A progressive warm-up can help golfers feel more prepared and confident when the round begins. Play the golfer you are today. Adjust your strategy instead of constantly comparing yourself with your younger golf self. Use mistakes as information. Your scorecard can help identify the areas that deserve your practice time. Golf longevity is about more than performance. Movement, confidence, friendships, community, and enjoyment are all part of staying in the game. Memorable Sound Bites “When you feel stiff, that’s your cue to train mobility.” “Warm up the way you want to play—smooth, controlled, and progressive.” “Stop judging your round only by the total score. Use it as feedback.” “Stop chasing old benchmarks and start playing the course you have in front of you.” Who Should Listen? This episode is especially valuable for women golfers over 50, senior women golfers, beginner golfers, women returning to golf, golf instructors, golf fitness professionals, physiotherapists, women’s golf organizations, golf resorts, golf clubs, and anyone interested in playing golf longer and with greater confidence. Whether you're experiencing stiffness, losing distance, recovering more slowly, or simply looking for a smarter approach to golf wellness, Chiara offers practical perspectives to help you keep moving and enjoying the game. Listen & Join The Traveling Golf Diva Community 🎙️ Listen to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris Muscarella for conversations about women’s golf, golf travel, golf wellness, fashion, lifestyle, instruction, and the women shaping the future of the game. Our mission: Giving Women a Voice in the Golf Industry. Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with a woman who wants to keep playing the game she loves—at every age.  

Empowering Women in Golf: Insights from Elisa Gaudet Women’s Golf Day Founder on Growing Women’s Golf, Building Community & Investing in Female Golfers How can the golf industry attract more women—and, just as importantly, keep them engaged in the game? In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella welcomes Elisa Gaudet, founder of Women’s Golf Day, for an insightful conversation about the growth of women’s golf, the economic influence of female golfers, and why investing in women represents a significant opportunity for the global golf industry. With more than 26 years of experience in golf, including work connected with the PGA TOUR and Latin American golf, Elisa brings a global perspective to the conversation. She shares how her experiences led her to launch Women’s Golf Day in 2016 with a mission to bring the golf industry together and introduce more women and girls to the game. Today, Women’s Golf Day has developed into a global movement reaching more than 85 countries, demonstrating what can happen when golf facilities, organizations, brands, and communities collaborate around a shared goal. Creating a More Welcoming Golf Industry Elisa discusses why golf courses, clubs, resorts, and other facilities play a critical role in the growth of women’s golf. Introducing women to golf is only the beginning. The larger opportunity is creating an experience that encourages women to continue playing, develop confidence, build friendships, participate in events, travel for golf, and ultimately become long-term members of the golf community. Golf facilities can help bridge the gap between introductory clinics and actually playing the game by creating welcoming programs, social opportunities, and clear pathways for women to become active golfers. From Women’s Golf Day to a Global Movement What began as an initiative to unite a fragmented golf industry has grown into an international celebration of women and girls in golf. Elisa explains how Women’s Golf Day has evolved, including its expansion following COVID-19 and the increased use of digital engagement to connect golfers around the world. At its core, the mission remains straightforward: bring the industry together, introduce more women and girls to golf, and create opportunities for them to stay involved. As Elisa explains, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Marketing to Women vs. Investing in Women One of the most important discussions in this episode is the difference between simply marketing to female golfers and genuinely investing in women. Women represent an influential consumer market whose purchasing decisions extend far beyond green fees and golf equipment. Their impact touches golf travel, resorts, real estate, apparel, wellness, hospitality, instruction, memberships, events, and lifestyle experiences. For golf businesses and destinations, engaging women should not be viewed as a short-term marketing campaign. It is a long-term business and growth strategy. “Investing in women is a long-term business strategy.” — Elisa Gaudet Representation and Giving Women a Voice Doris and Elisa also discuss the importance of having women represented in the conversations and decision-making processes shaping the future of golf. Growing women’s participation requires more than attracting players. Women need opportunities to be heard as golfers, consumers, executives, entrepreneurs, instructors, industry professionals, and leaders. Creating meaningful progress requires collaboration—and ensuring that women have a voice at the table. In This Episode, You’ll Discover How and why Elisa Gaudet created Women’s Golf Day How Women’s Golf Day grew into a movement spanning more than 85 countries Why collaboration across the golf industry is essential to growing women’s participation How golf courses and clubs can convert introductory clinics into long-term participation Why community, belonging, and experience influence golfer retention The difference between marketing to women and investing in women The growing economic influence of female golfers and women consumers Why female representation matters in golf-industry leadership and decision-making Opportunities for golf courses, resorts, destinations, brands, and businesses to better serve women What the future of women’s golf could look like when the industry works together Key Takeaways Collaboration drives growth. Golf organizations and businesses can accomplish more by working together rather than competing for the same female audience. Retention matters as much as recruitment. Introducing women to golf is only the first step. Creating welcoming experiences and communities helps turn beginners into lifelong golfers. Women are an economic growth opportunity. Female golfers influence spending across golf, travel, fashion, hospitality, wellness, real estate, and lifestyle categories. Representation matters. Sustainable progress requires women to participate in the decisions shaping golf’s future. Investment must be authentic. Women can distinguish between a temporary marketing campaign and a genuine commitment to their participation, experience, and success. Memorable Sound Bites “A rising tide lifts all boats.” “Investing in women is a long-term business strategy.” “Unite women in golf like a foursome to win together.” Listen & Join the Conversation Whether you are a female golfer, golf-course operator, golf industry executive, golf travel professional, golf brand, instructor, entrepreneur, or advocate for women in sports, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of golf’s greatest opportunities: creating an industry where more women and girls can discover the game, feel welcome, and remain engaged for a lifetime. 🎙️ Listen to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris Muscarella and join our mission of Giving Women a Voice in the Golf Industry. Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who believes in the future of women’s golf.  

The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast - Georgia Golf & Travel Series  Sky Valley: Golf Above the Clouds in Georgia’s Highest & Coolest City Host: Doris Muscarella.   Special Guest: Jim Curtis, Sky Valley, Georgia Episode Summary What if your next Georgia golf getaway took you high into the mountains—where cooler temperatures, spectacular scenery, Southern hospitality, and golf come together? In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella welcomes Jim Curtis for a journey to Sky Valley, Georgia, known as Georgia’s Highest & Coolest City. Located at approximately 3,100 feet in elevation in scenic Rabun County, Sky Valley is Georgia’s northernmost city, nestled near the North Carolina border and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jim takes listeners inside what makes this mountain community such a distinctive destination for golfers, couples, women’s golf groups, weekend getaways, and travelers looking to experience a different side of Georgia golf. 🎙️ In This Episode Doris and Jim discuss what makes Sky Valley golf and mountain travel special, including: The golf experience in the North Georgia mountains What it’s like to play golf at approximately 3,100 feet Sky Valley’s cooler mountain climate and spectacular scenery Why the destination appeals to golfers looking for a memorable golf getaway Ideas for women’s golf trips and girls’ golf getaways The Sky Valley community and mountain lifestyle Exploring Rabun County and the surrounding North Georgia region Things to experience beyond the golf course Tips for planning a North Georgia golf vacation Jim’s recommendations for first-time visitors to Sky Valley  Why Put Sky Valley on Your Golf Travel List? Golf travel isn't always about the most famous courses or biggest resorts. Sometimes the most memorable golf experiences are found in destinations that combine beautiful courses, distinctive surroundings, welcoming communities, local experiences, and a reason to slow down and enjoy where you are. Sky Valley offers an opportunity to trade the heat and hustle for mountain air, scenic golf, relaxation, and North Georgia hospitality.  Visit:  https://www.skyvalleycountryclub.com/ Whether you're planning a girls’ golf trip, couples golf vacation, mountain getaway, or Georgia golf road trip, this episode introduces a destination worth discovering. 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Listen to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for more conversations about women’s golf, golf travel, Georgia golf destinations, Stay & Play experiences, golf resorts, girls’ golf trips, golf lifestyle, and inspiring people helping grow the game. Golf. Travel. Lifestyle. Unforgettable Adventures.

The Landings Savannah: Inside One of Georgia’s Premier Golf & Lifestyle Communities with Doug & Barbara Ramey   Host: Doris Muscarella Guests: Doug & Barbara Ramey Episode Description What is it really like to live in one of Savannah, Georgia’s premier private golf communities? In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella welcomes Doug and Barbara Ramey, members of The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Georgia, for an insider’s look at the golf, lifestyle, amenities, friendships, wellness, and sense of community that attracted them to The Landings. Doug and Barbara share their personal journey of discovering The Landings and why they ultimately chose this extraordinary Savannah golf lifestyle community as their home. From exceptional golf and beautifully maintained courses to fitness, recreation, dining, social activities, and lasting friendships, the Rameys reveal why life at The Landings extends far beyond the fairways. For golfers considering retirement or relocation to a golf community, couples searching for an active lifestyle destination, or travelers interested in discovering the Savannah, Georgia golf experience, this episode provides a firsthand perspective from two people who actually live the lifestyle.  In This Episode, You’ll Discover Why Doug and Barbara chose The Landings Golf & Athletic Club What attracted them to the Savannah, Georgia golf lifestyle Their first impressions—and what ultimately made The Landings feel like home The golf courses and private club experience What everyday life is really like inside the community Fitness, wellness, recreation, and activities beyond golf Dining, social events, clubs, and opportunities to connect How friendships and community contribute to the overall lifestyle Why The Landings appeals to golfers, active adults, retirees, couples, and families Doug and Barbara’s favorite experiences and memories Their advice for anyone considering moving to a golf course community Why Listen? Choosing a golf community isn't simply about finding a great golf course. It's about finding a place where you can live, play, connect, stay active, and enjoy the next chapter of your life. Doug and Barbara provide a personal look at what makes The Landings Golf & Athletic Club and Savannah, Georgia special—from golf and recreation to friendships and community. If you're researching the best golf communities in Georgia, Savannah golf, golf retirement communities, active lifestyle communities, private golf clubs, golf relocation, or golf lifestyle destinations, you'll want to hear their story. Visit:  https://thelandings.com/ 🎧 Listen, subscribe and follow The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for more conversations about women’s golf, golf travel, Stay & Play destinations, golf resorts, golf communities, golf lifestyle, wellness, and the people making the game more welcoming and exciting.  Visit website:  www.thetravelinggolfidva.com Love Golf? Love to Travel? Join the Divas! 

Vermont Golf Getaway: Stay, Play & Discover Woodstock Country Club and the Woodstock Inn & Resort Pack your clubs—and maybe leave a little room for a spa day! On this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Stay & Play Series, we’re heading to Woodstock, Vermont, for a classic New England golf getaway filled with scenic golf, luxury accommodations, mountain landscapes, charming village experiences, dining, wellness, and outdoor adventure. At the center of the experience is Woodstock Country Club, part of Woodstock Inn & Resort. The 18-hole course was designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and winds through the beautiful Vermont landscape. The resort describes it as a challenging layout surrounded by lush hillsides and unspoiled scenery. Whether you're planning a women's golf trip, girls' golf getaway, couples golf vacation, New England golf trip, or Vermont Stay & Play vacation, Woodstock combines golf with the kind of destination experiences that make you want to stay an extra day. The Golf The Woodstock Country Club offers an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed course, along with a practice facility, golf shop and seasonal dining at the Fairway Grill. The official resort site currently lists course hours from 7:00 a.m. to dusk and the range and golf shop from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.   And this isn't just about chasing a score. The setting is a major part of the experience: rolling Vermont terrain, water, bunkering, mature trees and mountain scenery make this the kind of course where you may find yourself reaching for your camera as often as your golf club. Stay at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Located on the village green, Woodstock Inn & Resort provides the luxury-resort side of the Stay & Play experience. Its central location also gives travelers convenient access to Woodstock's shops and galleries, while the broader resort experience includes dining, wellness and recreational activities. For the Diva who believes a great golf trip should include some relaxation, The Spa at the Woodstock Inn & Resort adds a luxury wellness component—perfect for a post-round massage or a non-golf afternoon. Current Stay & Play Package: Unlimited Golf For the 2026 golf season, the resort's official Unlimited Golf Package includes: One night of luxury accommodations Unlimited golf Golf cart use Complimentary practice-facility access Most weekend stays require a two-night minimum. The package is currently listed as available May 1–October 31, 2026, with rates varying by date and availability. Room and meal taxes and a $40 daily resort fee, also subject to rooms tax, are additional. The resort recommends making tee times in advance. Because packages and rates can change seasonally, listeners planning a 2027 Vermont golf vacation should contact the resort directly for updated availability and pricing rather than relying on 2026 terms. Explore the Unlimited Golf Package Another Golf-Trip Idea: Woodstock + Quechee Golfers looking for more variety can also explore a Woodstock-area itinerary pairing Woodstock Country Club with The Quechee Club. A currently published package description features two nights at the Woodstock Inn, two rounds of golf with cart—one at each club—and practice-facility use. That creates an appealing option for a longer Vermont women's golf getaway: play multiple courses, stay in Woodstock, and build sightseeing, dining and relaxation around the golf. 🌿 Beyond the Fairways What makes Woodstock especially interesting for The Traveling Golf Diva Stay & Play Series is everything surrounding the golf. Spend time exploring the picturesque village. Enjoy a leisurely lunch after your round. Add a spa experience. Discover Vermont's outdoor lifestyle. Or simply slow down and enjoy the quintessential New England atmosphere. For lunch after golf, The Fairway Grill is located at the country club. For travelers interested in Vermont's farm-to-table culture, Kelly Way Gardens is the resort's certified-organic garden, whose produce contributes to the resort's culinary program. It's the combination that makes Woodstock stand out: golf + resort + village + food + wellness + Vermont scenery. 💕 Why the Divas Will Love Woodstock Woodstock offers the ingredients for a memorable girls' golf trip without requiring every minute of the vacation to revolve around golf. Play in the morning, explore Woodstock in the afternoon, schedule some spa time, enjoy dinner together, and wake up ready to do it all again. It's particularly well suited to women looking for a New England golf resort, Vermont golf vacation, luxury golf getaway, fall golf trip, girlfriend getaway, golf-and-spa vacation, or scenic Stay & Play destination. 📞 Contact & Booking Information Woodstock Inn & Resort 14 The Green Woodstock, Vermont 05091 Reservations: 800-448-7900 The official packages page also lists 1-855-894-0425 for booking the Unlimited Golf Package. Woodstock Country Club 76 South Street Woodstock, Vermont 05091 Golf Shop / Tee Times: 802-457-6674 Woodstock Inn & Resort Golf & Stay Packages Explore Woodstock Country Club 🎧 Closing for the Episode Love golf? Love to travel? Join the Divas! Come discover why Woodstock, Vermont belongs on your golf travel list. From a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf course and luxury resort accommodations to spa experiences, Vermont scenery and the charm of Woodstock Village, this is a Stay & Play getaway that goes far beyond the fairways.   Subscribe to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for more women's golf, golf travel, Stay & Play destinations, luxury golf resorts, girls' golf trips, golf lifestyle and unforgettable adventures.  Visit:  www.thetravelinggolfdiva.com