Take Your daughter to the Course Week, 2007

Recently, I’ve grown increasingly excited about watching golf again. I’m thrilled that a new generation of golfers are adding a bit of youthful exuberance to the sport.

On the PGA Tour there are you young men with names like Boo and Bubba and Camilo who impart a joie de vivre, a flair for the big shot, and a certain panache to the game that has been missing for a while – at least since guys with names like Arnold, Lee, and Chi-Chi faded away.

On the LPGA Tour the situation is even better. Young women with names like Paula, Morgan, Brittany, and Lorena impart a girlish charm, silky grace, and eye-catching style that has until just recently been completely lacking from the sport.

I’m talking pink outfits, big earrings, dazzling smiles, and 280-yard drives. What’s not to love?

Even my daughter, who will be nine in a couple of weeks, is catching on that golf isn’t just for old guys like her dad anymore. She’s finishing up a 4-week golf camp as I write this, and I cannot wait to take her out to the course to see what she’s learned.

As luck would have it, this week is Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, sponsored by the USGA.

Also as luck would have it, equipment manufacturers are catching this wave of youth and style, and FINALLY designing cool gear geared toward the under-25 crowd.

Maybe I’ll pick up one of the adorable golf bags by Keri Golf, designed especially for girls 6-12, for my daughter as a graduation present.

Heck, she’s already informed me she wants to dress just like Paula Creamer when we go out to play.

And maybe I’ll try that Camilo Villegas green-reading method…or not. I don’t want to end up with my panache in a cast.

The Keri Golf Maria junior bag is adorable enough for any little golfing princess. (MSRP $175)