Will the return of golf to the Olympics in Rio bring more attention to womens golf and grow the game among women? As a former LPGA player, I think giving the sport an international platform certainly wont hurt womens golf. But the issues I see internally at golf courses are stagnating its growth.Many women struggle to find their place at the golf course -- they feel intimidated because they believe golf is a boys club and wonder where they fit in. This should come as no surprise, because several clubs dont make women feel welcome.Take, for instance, Muirfield Golf Club in Scotland, which voted in May to not allow women to become members. When the R&A ruled it would no longer hold Open Championships there as a result of the vote, Muirfield stated it will hold a second vote on allowing female membership. Still, it wasnt a good look for golf.There are many issues keeping women off the golf course, from intimidation to a lack of tee times.Im reminded of a time during my high school golf days. While practicing on the range, an older man approached me and, without permission, put his hands on me and said, Here, move your hips like this.His unwanted touches made me feel so uncomfortable that each time I went to the range thereon, I would isolate myself from the rest of those working on their games. I already had been playing for 10 years and had my sights on the LPGA. That one incident would not derail me from continuing to play, but it did impact me.Now, imagine a woman on the range who is just starting out and already feels nervous and self-conscious. Imagine her being approached by not one, but two men offering her unsolicited advice and touching her to show her what shes doing wrong.Some of these women dont come back as a result of the embarrassment.Vicki Vanderpool, PGA Junior golf director at Butler Country Club in Pittsburgh, saw this is as a recurring issue and started womens coaching practicing at her club.Its from 5 to 7 p.m. and ladies can just show up anytime and get help, Vanderpool said. Its on our private teaching range, which I feel will help get women out practicing and comfortable on the range. So many men keep giving ladies advice when they are on the range. And the funny thing, Ive never seen a woman go up to a man and give him unsolicited advice on his golf swing.Having this option has proven successful. Vanderpool said she even sees mothers bringing their daughters out now, because they have a safe place to practice.The idea of having designated areas for women is appealing. And if thats not possible, signage at the range reading, No unwanted coaching allowed. Leave that to the professionals could be beneficial. As a feminist, I believe in teaching women to be strong and to use their voices to say no when someone is bothering them. At a golf course or any training facility, though, a woman should not feel forced to do that. This is no different than gyms that have areas for women to protect them from harassment in the gym.A lack of female professionals also can contribute to fewer women playing.A representative from the PGA of America said only 948 of the 23,000 members are female. At the end of 2015, the LPGA teaching and club pros program only had 1,700 members total, some of whom are dual members of the PGA and LPGA.The PGA of America is striving to make its mark in womens golf, though. In 2014, Suzy Whaley was appointed PGA secretary, the first woman elected a PGA officer in the organizations history. Its a small but important step in giving women a voice in the golf world.In 2015, the PGA partnered with the LPGA to run the Womens PGA Championship, the LPGAs second major of the year. Such partnerships bolster a sense of unity between mens and womens golf.Another problem many clubs face is that mens leagues take over courses. At my golf club, womens leagues get one day: Monday mornings. The mens leagues have two days. Most women cannot take off work to play a round of golf on a weekday, unless they are using golf as a way to entertain a client. If courses took the initiative to offer women a 9-hole league in the evenings, they would open themselves up to a new clientele looking to connect with other female golfers.The Executive Womens Golf Association (EWGA) has worked diligently to provide more playing opportunities for working women and to connect women who work and love to play golf. There are 100 chapters nationwide and each month during golf season they host more than 7,500 golf, social and networking activities. The 12,000 members of EWGA receive discounts on lessons and greens fees, and special rates on apparel at various golf clubs. The EWGA said on average, a woman who is just beginning golf through their organization spent roughly $2,700 on equipment and activities, and each EWGA chapter generates $591,900 annually in golf-related spending in its community.I believe all golf courses are trying to figure out where their next customer is coming from, and how they can make an impression, Pam Swenson, CEO of EWGA, said. And we know that women are the gatekeepers in the family, and we [EWGA] have always professed that if courses welcome women, their families will also come.Events19, founded by Donna Hoffman, hosts clinics and 9-hole outings for beginners and experienced players. After the golf excursion, the women attend happy hour and partake in professional development activities, like learning how to close a deal on the golf course with a client.The first thing that attracts women to the game are the people [women, instructors, etc.] and then connecting to the environment around them, whether its the golf course, the facility and its accommodations, Hoffman said. More importantly, time is a commodity for women and I want our events to knock things off their to-do list, like meeting other professional women or fitting in exercise instead of having to go to the gym.Hoffman said many courses are eager to bring her in and see the value of having women at their course. The courses just need a little nudging, but most are open to suggestions on how to cater to women better.Catherine Kim, director of player development at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, said she was brought in to help restructure her clubs womens programs.I do a Get Golf Ready program for women called Divots and Divas, Kim said. Its an hour long session that lasts six weeks and helps women get acquainted with golf. They also get an alcoholic beverage of their choice. They sell out so quickly and we keep wondering where all these women are coming from, but they want to learn. The fact they are socializing with other women while learning a sport, I believe, is a key to the success of my program.It appears the simple thing courses need to do is show they care about women. If golf clubs begin to acknowledge women and address the issues that cause insecurity and reluctance to play, they will garner a new wave of women who will feel respected on the course, and theyll continue to play and pay. http://www.atleticomadridpro.com/Kids-Nikola-Kalinic-Jersey/ . The Vancouver coach and an announced sellout crowd of 18,910 watched in dismay as the Canucks lost 7-4 to the New York Islanders on Monday night by squandering a 3-0 lead in the third period. http://www.atleticomadridpro.com/Kids-Stefan-Savic-Jersey/ . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. http://www.atleticomadridpro.com/Kids-Jose-Gimenez-Jersey/ . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. http://www.atleticomadridpro.com/Kids-Lucas-Hernandez-Jersey/ .J. -- Pitcher Carl Pavano is retiring after 14 major league seasons. http://www.atleticomadridpro.com/Kids-Blank-Jersey/ . The catch: It needs a lot of money, and it needs it fast. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Heres a look at Saturdays NFL preseason games. (All times EDT):VICTORS BACKGiants at Jets, 7:30 p.m.Victor Cruz has come full cycle against the Jets.The undrafted free agent from nearby Paterson, New Jersey, made the Giants as a free agent in 2010 in large part by catching six passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns in a preseason game against the Jets. By the following season, he was one of the NFLs most dynamic receivers and would stay that way for three years.A knee injury that limited him to six games in 2014 and a calf injury that wiped out last season have put his roster spot in jeopardy. The 29-year-old Cruz missed the first two preseason games with a groin injury and will make his preseason debut in Week 3. Of course, the Jets are the opponent.Its the story of my life, Cruz said. You cant write it any better than this. This is the way my career has gone. Its the way my professional career has gone. The Jets preseason game has always been some type of landmark situation for me, so here we go again.Jets starters are expected to play at least the first half. Geno Smith remains the No. 2 QB behind Ryan Fitzpatrick despite Bryce Pettys solid performance -- 16 of 26 for 242 yards and two touchdowns -- in a loss to Washington last Friday night. Smith was 6 of 13 for 47 yards and an interception.Running back Matt Forte (hamstring) could see his first game action for the Jets, along with defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, whos coming off a broken leg suffered in the season finale against Buffalo.LIMPING ALONGKansas City at Chicago, 1 p.m.Kansas City is banged up, and so is Chicago. Expect both teams to be missing some prominent players.The Chiefs will be without several starters and backups, among them pass rusher Tamba Hali (knee), running backs Jamaal Charles (knee) and Charcandrick West (elbow), and linebacker Josh Mauga (groin). Kansas City is taking a slow approach working Hali, who returned to practice this week, and Charles back into the rotation.A major concern for the Bears is right guard Kyle Long after the three-time Pro Bowl lineman hurt his shoulder at New England last week. Coach John Fox isnt saying how much time Long will miss. Veteran Ted Larsen, who had taken over for the injured Hroniss Grasu at center, practiced at right guard this week, with Cornelius Edison at center.HELPING HANDSPhiladelphia at Indianapolis, 7 p.m.The Colts are reaching out to the people of Kokomo, Indiana, which was hit by an EF3 tornado on Wednesday that had an estimated peak wind of 152 mph. The tornado traveled nearly 5 miles on the citys south side, was about 300 yards wide and lasted 10 minutes.The NFL team is providing tickets and concession vouchers to Saturdays game for the Kokomo High School football team, including their family members and coaches. They will also be recognized on the field during pre-game ceremonies.Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will play one half. The banged-up secondary willl be without recently signed Antonio Cromartie.ddddddddddddagles coach Doug Pederson plans to play his starters into the second half. Wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham will play with the first unit and see more action in his second game since being acquired from Tennessee.FLAK ATTACKDetroit at Baltimore, 7 p.m.Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will make his debut, playing around a half. Its his first action since tearing the left ACL and MCL in a Nov. 22 win over the Rams. Linebacker Terrell Suggs could also make his 2016 debut after tearing his Achilles tendon in last years opener.It would be great not to get hit, said Flacco, who has not been hit since the injury. I dont need to get hit. But if I do, it is not a bad thing.The Lions will take another close look at seventh-round pick Dwayne Washington, who leads the team in rushing and has returned a kickoff for a touchdown this preseason.HOLDING BACKTennessee at Oakland, 8 p.m.The third exhibition game is often viewed as the final dress rehearsal for the regular season, with starters getting their most extensive time mixed with a little game planning. But with the Titans and Raiders set to play again on Sept. 25, dont expect either to show too much.A little unorthodox or unusual that you have a team that youre playing in the third preseason game that youre going to turn around and play them early in the season like that, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. We both understand what it is.The Titans should get their first look at linebacker Kevin Dodd. The No. 33 overall pick did not play last week in a loss to Carolina as he works his way into shape from surgery in May on his right foot. Dodd had 12 sacks last season for Clemson, and Tennessee is counting on him to provide much-needed depth at outside linebacker.NOT NO. 1, YETLos Angeles at Denver, 9 p.m.No. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff of the Rams is slowly adjusting to NFL life. Goff has completed 12 of 21 passes for 120 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He has a 69.5 quarterback rating.Case Keenum has started the first two games and completed 10 of 12 for 111 yards and a TD. He has a 133 rating.If things continue, Keenum may be No. 1 when the season starts.Rams defensive end Robert Quinn is expected to make his debut after missing the final six weeks last season because of back surgery.Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (back) is expected to make his preseason debut after missing the last two games. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware isnt expected to play and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips may keep him on a play count in the regular season.---AP Pro Football Writers Teresa M. Walker and Rob Maaddi, and Sports Writers Tom Canavan, Dennis Waszak Jr., Andrew Seligman, David Ginsburg, and Josh Dubow contributed to this report.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL. 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