Women’s Golf Day founder Elisa Gaudet has been named the winner of the 2024 ING Industry Honors Award for Business Achievement, at the 30th annual event held at last week’s PGA Show.
The ING Industry Honors program recognizes outstanding achievement by ING members in the golf business. The non-profit, media-based networking organisation remains one of the most respected bodies in the golf industry. Nominees in all categories are submitted throughout the year from anyone in the golf industry. The Industry Honors committee then trims the entries to the top three in each category. ING members then vote electronically to determine the winners, who are announced and recognized at the Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference.
“To receive this award from my peers is very special,” commented Gaudet. “When I started Women’s Golf Day my intention was and still is to bring the game I love to more women. It has been very gratifying to build a successful business that serves women around the world and connects women and men to the game of golf and now be recognized by the industry. This has scaled larger than any of us could have imagined and we are grateful for the many PGA members, pros and industry leaders that have supported and joined with us in bringing more women and girls to golf.”
Gaudet received her award only hours after hosting the PGA Show Women’s Golf Day Panel. The panel discussion reflected on developing authentic relationships with the female audience and the financial influence women have in general and in the golf market. Alongside Gaudet were newly named WGD Ambassador and 1980’s supermodel Kim Alexis, Senior Membership Director at the NGCOA, Rachel Carter, and former PGA Captain and WGD Ambassador Sarah Bennet.
“We had some fantastic insights shared at the panel, and I think this award is another reflection on the financial power of better engaging female golfers in the game,” concluded Gaudet. “We look forward to helping more organizations explore how they can inspire new audiences and new customers. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the support of organizations who have shared our vision and helped us to grow our event across over 1300 venues in 84 countries.”
“Among others, Callaway Golf, PGA of America, PGA TOUR Superstore, RBC, The R&A, Japan Golf Association and USGA have all supported the Women’s Golf Day story, so they must share in this award for the faith they have shown in Women’s Golf Day and our founding idea.”