The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris Muscarella

The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris R. Muscarella

How did one woman's vision help shape the future of women's professional golf, and how can simpler golf instruction help women enjoy the game for a lifetime?

In this inspiring episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris R. Muscarella welcomes Eloise Trainor, co-founder of Education Golf, former CEO of the Futures Tour, and LPGA Lifetime Member, for an engaging conversation about women's golf history, professional opportunities, golf instruction, and growing the game for future generations.

From launching a small women's golf mini tour in Florida to helping develop the Futures Tour into a national pathway for aspiring LPGA professionals, Eloise shares the determination, sacrifices, and leadership required to create opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Eloise takes us behind the scenes of building the Futures Tour, sharing how a Florida mini tour with just 60 players in its first tournament grew into a national professional golf tour.

Her vision went beyond organizing tournaments. She wanted to give aspiring women professionals the competitive experience, course-management skills, and confidence they needed to succeed at the LPGA level.

Discover how she navigated financial challenges, advocated for fair treatment of women golfers, and helped create opportunities that would influence generations of professional players.

What if improving your golf swing didn't have to be so complicated?

Eloise believes that golf instruction should be understandable, practical, and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Through her work with Education Golf, she emphasizes the importance of strong fundamentals, consistent preparation, and a simplified approach to learning the golf swing.

She also explains GCAP — Grip, Club, Alignment, and Posture, a practical approach designed to simplify pre-shot preparation, reduce overthinking, and help golfers develop a more consistent swing.

Learn why spending less time standing over the golf ball, trusting your preparation, and focusing on the fundamentals can help you play with greater confidence, less tension, and more enjoyment.

Whether you're a beginner, a recreational golfer, or a woman returning to golf later in life, Eloise offers valuable insights into making the game more approachable and rewarding.

Women's Golf History: How the Futures Tour created competitive opportunities for aspiring LPGA professionals.

Women in Golf Leadership: The determination, sacrifices, and business challenges behind building a professional women's golf tour.

Golf Swing Fundamentals: How simplifying golf instruction can help golfers develop more consistent, confident swings.

Golf Tips for Women Over 50: Why age doesn't have to prevent you from learning, improving, or enjoying golf.

Beginner Golf Instruction: How proper grip, alignment, posture, and preparation can help new golfers build confidence.

Golf Confidence & Mindset: Why overthinking your swing can create unnecessary hesitation and tension.

Growing Women's Golf: How golf clubs and the industry can create more welcoming, inclusive experiences for women.

Golf Technology & Innovation: How Education Golf is exploring real-time feedback to support golf swing development.

"Everyone gets to play."

A reminder that golf should be accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

"The swing is simple. It is not complicated; it is not unnatural."

A refreshing perspective for golfers overwhelmed by complicated swing instruction.

"Take less time over the ball."

Sometimes the best way to improve your golf game is to stop overthinking and trust your preparation.

Women's golf has come a long way, but creating opportunities, increasing participation, and making the game more welcoming remain important priorities.

Eloise Trainor's story reminds us that growing women's golf requires more than introducing women to the sport. It means giving them the tools, confidence, opportunities, and support to stay in the game.

Her contributions to women's professional golf and her commitment to simplified golf education demonstrate how one woman's vision can influence generations of golfers.

From breaking barriers in professional women's golf to helping everyday golfers feel more confident on the course, Eloise continues to demonstrate the power of leadership, perseverance, and a passion for growing the game.

If you're passionate about women's golf, golf instruction, golf travel, golf lifestyle, women in sports leadership, and inspiring stories from the golf industry, you've found your community.

The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris R. Muscarella brings you conversations with LPGA professionals, golf instructors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and inspiring women who are changing the game.

FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE THE PODCAST

Share this episode with a woman who wants to improve her golf game, build confidence, or discover the inspiring history of women's professional golf.

For more information on The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast contact us at:  [email protected]

PLAY • TRAVEL • CONNECT • LIVE

Giving Women a Voice in the Golf Industry

What if one round of golf could tell you more about a potential business relationship than hours of traditional networking?

In this powerful episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris R. Muscarella sits down with Hilary Fordwich—former head of global business development at KPMG, executive coach, keynote speaker, business development expert, and competitive golfer—to explore how women can use golf as a strategic networking and relationship-building advantage.

Golf isn't simply a sport. In business, it can provide hours of uninterrupted time to build rapport, observe character, develop trust, and create authentic professional relationships.

Hilary shares how golf helped her develop business opportunities throughout her career and why women don't need to be scratch golfers—or turn every round into a sales meeting—to benefit from the power of business golf.

Business Golf Is About Relationships, Not the Sales Pitch

One of Hilary's most important lessons is that business golf is about bonding—not closing the deal on the golf course.

Instead of arriving with an agenda, focus on the people you're playing with. Listen. Pay attention. Be helpful. Ask questions. Learn about them.

Those four hours together can create something a traditional networking mixer rarely provides: time to develop a genuine relationship.

The business conversation may happen later.

The relationship comes first.

Why More Women Should Consider Business Golf

For women who feel intimidated about playing golf with clients, executives, or more experienced golfers, Hilary offers practical advice: you don't have to be the best golfer in the group to belong in the conversation.

Understanding basic golf etiquette, pace of play, course awareness, and how to interact with your playing partners can be more important in a business setting than your score.

Golf provides women with an opportunity to spend meaningful time with business leaders, clients, colleagues, prospects, and decision-makers in an environment very different from the boardroom.

The objective isn't perfection.

It's confidence, connection, and relationship building.

What Golf Can Reveal About Character and Leadership

How does someone react after a bad shot?

Do they pay attention when another player hits?

Do they help look for a playing partner's golf ball?

How do they treat the staff?

Do they remain positive when the round isn't going their way?

Golf can reveal qualities that aren't always visible during a meeting or polished business presentation.

Hilary and Doris discuss how the course can provide insight into someone's leadership style, emotional intelligence, awareness, strategic thinking, resilience, integrity, and consideration for others.

As Hilary says:

“Golf is the great equalizer.”

Your Most Important Shot Is the Next One

Golf and business both require the ability to recover when things don't go according to plan.

A poor golf shot doesn't have to ruin the next one—and a setback in business doesn't have to determine what happens next.

Hilary's advice:

“Don't be bitter, be better.”

And:

“The most important thing is your next shot.”

It's a powerful lesson in resilience, leadership, confidence, and focusing on what you can control.

🎧 What You'll Discover in This Episode

Memorable Insights from Hilary Fordwich

“Don't be bitter, be better.”

“The most important thing is your next shot.”

“Golf is the great equalizer.”

“My whole approach is about being there for them.”

Recommended Reading

Hilary also shares books and leadership resources that have influenced her approach to relationships, trust, influence, and leadership:

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie — A classic resource for understanding relationships, communication, and influencing people.

The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey — A valuable look at the role trust plays in leadership, relationships, organizations, and business performance.

Hilary also discusses a book about Queen Elizabeth I and leadership, referenced during the conversation as Elizabeth's CEO.

Golf May Be One of the Most Underrated Networking Tools for Women

Traditional networking often gives you minutes with someone.

Golf can give you four hours.

Four hours to talk.

Four hours to listen.

Four hours to observe.

Four hours to build trust.

And four hours to discover whether there is an authentic connection that could eventually become a business relationship, strategic partnership, referral, mentorship, friendship, or opportunity.

For women seeking to expand their professional networks, develop executive relationships, and become more confident using golf for business, this episode offers an important message:

You don't have to be the best golfer in the foursome. You need to understand how to show up, connect, and build genuine relationships.

🎧 Love Golf? Love to Travel? Join the Divas!

Don't just listen—become part of the conversation. Follow and subscribe to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris R. Muscarella, where women's golf, golf travel, Stay & Play destinations, golf lifestyle, wellness, fashion, networking, business, and inspiring stories come together.

Meet the women and golf industry leaders shaping the future of the game, discover destinations worth traveling for, and learn how golf can create friendships, business connections, strategic relationships, and unforgettable experiences far beyond the 18th green.

Growing the Game: Teaching Children Golf, Confidence & Life Skills with LPGA Master Professional Nancy Stuart

How do we teach children golf in a way that builds more than a better swing?

In this inspiring episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris R. Muscarella sits down with LPGA Master Professional Nancy Stuart to explore how junior golf instruction can build confidence, discipline, resilience, friendships, and a lifelong love for the game.

Nancy shares her journey from discovering golf at age 13 on a nine-hole par-3 course in Chicago to becoming an accomplished LPGA golf professional, educator, junior golf coach, First Tee Recognized Coach, and author.

At the heart of Nancy's teaching philosophy is a simple but powerful message:

“Make it fun.”

Nancy explains why successful kids golf instruction isn't about forcing young golfers into a one-size-fits-all program. It's about understanding how each child learns, introducing skills at the right pace, creating achievable goals, and allowing children to experience the joy of improvement.

Building Golf Skills—and Life Skills

Nancy takes us inside her progressive eight-week junior golf program, where children develop their games step by step—from putting and chipping to pitching, the full golf swing, and on-course play.

You'll hear why games, medals, friendly competition, and achievable goals can motivate young golfers without creating unnecessary pressure.

Nancy and Doris also discuss an important question for parents:

When is the right age for a child to start playing golf?

Nancy's answer: when the child is ready—not simply when the parent is ready.

Growing Girls Golf and Expanding Access

This conversation goes beyond traditional junior golf.

Nancy discusses the importance of girls golf programs, social connection, adaptive instruction for special-needs golfers, and programs serving veterans through golf.

These programs demonstrate how golf can become a vehicle for confidence, inclusion, community, healing, and meaningful human connection.

Nancy also shares lessons from her work with First Tee and how those experiences helped shape her approach to coaching and youth development.

 Helping Golfers Become Their Own Best Teacher

Nancy's book, How to Learn Golf Your Way, reflects one of her most important teaching philosophies:

“I want you to become your own best teacher.”

Rather than simply telling students what to do, Nancy helps golfers understand their own movements, learning styles, and tendencies.

She also shares her approach to putting instruction and explains how balance, movement, and fundamentals can carry from putting through chipping, pitching, and eventually the full golf swing.

You'll even learn about D D C F C, an easy-to-remember teaching tool Nancy uses with young golfers to reinforce distance, direction, clubface control, and focus.

 AI, Technology & the Future of Golf Instruction

Can artificial intelligence, golf apps, video analysis, and launch monitors help someone become a better golfer?

Nancy believes technology can be a valuable tool in modern golf instruction—but it should support rather than replace the relationship between a golfer and a great coach.

Golf remains deeply human.

It's about learning together, playing together, building confidence, developing social skills, and creating relationships on and off the golf course.

🎧 What You'll Discover in This Episode

 Nancy Stuart on Teaching Golf

“Make it fun.”

“I want you to become your own best teacher.”

“Golf has got them out on the golf course.”

Growing the Next Generation of Golfers

Whether you're a parent, junior golf coach, LPGA or PGA professional, golf instructor, youth sports leader, or someone passionate about growing the game of golf, this episode offers practical insights into developing the next generation of golfers.

Because growing golf isn't simply about creating better swings.

Love Golf? Love to Travel? Join the Divas!

Don’t just listen—become part of the conversation. Follow and subscribe to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris R. Muscarella, where women’s golf, golf travel, Stay & Play destinations, golf lifestyle, wellness, fashion, networking, and inspiring stories come together. Meet the women and golf industry leaders shaping the future of the game, discover destinations worth traveling for, and learn how golf can create friendships, business connections, and unforgettable experiences far beyond the 18th green.

Listen. Follow. Subscribe. Share. Every download helps us amplify more voices, grow the women’s golf community, and continue our mission to Give Women a Voice in the Golf Industry.

PLAY • TRAVEL • CONNECT • LIVE

The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast

⛳ Networking on the Golf Course: Where Relationships Are Created Between the 1st Tee & the 18th Green

Host: Doris Muscarella

Episode Summary

What if your most valuable business connection isn't made in a boardroom—but somewhere between the first tee and the 18th green?

In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella welcomes Rich Rogers of 6 Degrees Golf for a conversation about the powerful intersection of golf, business networking, relationship building, and professional growth.

6 Degrees Golf brings business owners, partners, corporate officers, executives, and business development leaders together on the golf course, creating an environment where authentic conversations can develop into meaningful professional relationships.

Unlike a traditional networking event, a round of golf provides something business professionals rarely have: several uninterrupted hours to talk, listen, observe, and get to know one another.

Because sometimes the most valuable part of golf isn't what happens on the scorecard. It's who you meet along the way.

🎙️ In This Episode

Doris and Rich explore:

More Than a Round of Golf

Golf offers something unusual in today's fast-moving business environment: time.

Time to have a conversation.

A four-hour round can provide an opportunity to develop a relationship that might take months of emails, LinkedIn messages, or traditional networking events to establish.

Rich shares how 6 Degrees Golf is using the game to intentionally connect professionals and create relationships that can lead to opportunities—not by forcing the sale, but by creating the environment for genuine connections to happen.

Women, Golf & Business Networking

For women professionals, learning to become comfortable on the golf course can provide access to an entirely different type of business networking.

You don't have to be a scratch golfer to participate. Understanding the game, knowing basic golf etiquette, and being willing to build relationships can make golf an important addition to your professional networking strategy.

As Doris and Rich discuss, the objective isn't necessarily to close a deal on the 18th green. It's to build a relationship worth continuing after the round.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:   If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, executive, business development professional, sales leader, or golfer who believes relationships drive opportunities, this is an episode you'll want to hear.

Subscribe to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for conversations about golf networking, women in golf, business relationships, golf travel, golf lifestyle, leadership, and the people creating opportunities through the game.

Golf. Travel. Lifestyle. Relationships. Unforgettable Adventures.

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:

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

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

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:

 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.

Host: Doris Muscarella

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.

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 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.

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.

For the 2026 golf season, the resort's official Unlimited Golf Package includes:

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

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.

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.

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.

Woodstock Inn & Resort

Woodstock Country Club

Woodstock Inn & Resort Golf & Stay Packages

Explore Woodstock Country Club

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

The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast

Discovering Southern Hospitality, History & Mountain Adventures at The Dillard House with John Dillard

A Taste of Tradition: The Dillard House Legacy, Southern Hospitality & Georgia Mountain Adventures

Host: Doris R. Muscarella, The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast

Where Golf Meets Travel, Lifestyle & Unforgettable Adventures

Episode Overview

What makes a destination so special that families return generation after generation?

In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella heads to the beautiful North Georgia Mountains for a conversation with John Dillard, Resort Manager and Family Historian of The Dillard House.

John takes listeners inside the story of this iconic Georgia destination, where Southern hospitality, family traditions, mountain scenery, memorable dining, and generations of history come together.

From its beginnings as a family farm to its evolution into a celebrated North Georgia destination, The Dillard House offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: a genuine sense of place and a tradition of welcoming guests like family.

In This Episode, Discover

A Family Legacy Built on Southern Hospitality

The Experience of Southern Family-Style Dining

Preserving History While Looking to the Future

Discovering Dillard & the North Georgia Mountains

Why Guests Keep Coming Back

Meet John Dillard

As Resort Manager and Family Historian, John Dillard represents a family legacy deeply connected to the history and future of The Dillard House.

His passion for preserving and sharing the property's stories provides a fascinating look at how a historic family destination can honor its heritage while creating new memories for future generations.

The Diva Travel Takeaway

Travel isn't simply about checking another destination off your list.

It's about the stories you discover, the traditions you experience, the people you meet, and the memories you bring home.

The Dillard House is a reminder that sometimes the most unforgettable travel experiences are found in places where history has been preserved and hospitality still comes from the heart.

Plan Your North Georgia Mountain Getaway

Explore the North Georgia Mountains

Explore The Dillard House

🎧 Subscribe to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast

Follow The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for more Georgia travel destinations, golf travel, North Georgia mountain getaways, Southern resorts, women's travel, golf destinations, Stay & Play experiences, lifestyle adventures, and conversations with the people who make destinations memorable.

Swing with confidence. Travel with curiosity. Live the Diva lifestyle.