Debbie Steinbach, after retiring from competition on the LPGA tour, became a full-time instructor in 1986. She noticed that at the top golf schools where she taught that women were not improving their games as much as the men, and not having as much fun. Women did not like seeing themselves on videotape, being told what was wrong with their swing, and how to fix it. On the other hand, men did.

Venus in Action       

Steinbach began studying the differences between men and women by watching them on a golf course, how they responded to instruction, by their physical differences, and by consulting with experts in psychology and physiology.

Dr. Bruce Ogilvie, who has worked with the greatest female athletes and serves on the Women’s Sports Foundation, was interviewed about his research on men and women in sports. He was quite amazed that golf was so far behind the other sports in developing different approaches for men and women. Male and female athletes in all sports, including Olympic teams, train differently. So, why not golfers?

Steinbach and Dr. Maxann Shwartz, psychologist and LPGA professional, who had learned from their own experiences and that of other experts, teamed up with Hollis Stacy, a three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion, and developed a new teaching plan for The Disney Golf School for Women in Orlando. Instead of fixing the women’s swings, they found the right swing for each woman. The women experienced the feel of the swing rather than being given all the whys. And, last, but not least, they wanted to be sure they had fun.

The school was a success with women going home with improved games.

A couple of years later, Steinbach and Dr. Frank Crinella of the University of California-Irvine, collaborated to test each of their new theories. She learned more about the physiology, and he had a guinea pig to try his golf swing ideas. As a result, she gained 20 yards, a higher ball flight, and a right to left curve.

Steinbach has written the best-selling book, "Venus on the Fairway, Creating a Swing - and a Game - That Works for Women". This entertaining instruction book created specifically for women golfers is great for the woman golfer and instructor.

Although the "Venus" book may be designed for women, she teaches both men and women. "My job is to give women or men what they want" in the way that is best for the particular golfer. From putting pizzazz into the lesson by dressing as a tiger on the driving range to appearing before a wide variety of corporate groups and organizations, Steinbach is entertaining, knowledgeable, and just plain fun to be with. At 5’3" she is a powerhouse of personality.

Debbie Steinbach is the national spokesperson for Rally For A Cure®, the world’s largest grassroots cause-oriented golf program.

"I was very moved to be asked by Rally For A Cure® to represent the program as its national spokesperson," Steinbach said. "Breast cancer is a disease that affects not only women but also their families. I teach hundreds of women golfers each year and speak to many women’s groups and corporations. I look forward to using my platform within the golf community to encourage women to be screened annually and to motivate others into practicing early detection."

Over 130,000 golfers at some 2,600 clubs play in a Rally For A Cure® event each year. Women golfers across the nation have raised nearly $6 million for the breast cancer research campaign of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the last six years.

	"Venus of the Fairway" was created because of a lack of teaching methods designed for the way women learn. Rather than overload the reader with highly technical swing instruction, Debbie emphasizes practical drills that teach women how to "feel" key swing movements, reinforced by a simple and positive teaching style. Venus on the Fairway ensures readers will have fun while learning. (click on the book for more info about "Venus on the Fairway"
"Venus on the Fringe, Introducing the “V Factor” Creating a Short Game That Works for Humans" In this book, from putting and chipping to the lob shot, Venus simplifies the short game. “Give Me Another ‘V’” reminds us that “Chipping is nothing more than putting with a lofted club.” “Light bulb moments” to practice drills will really help your short game. Jan Stephenson, 1981 Short Game Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour, says, “In tournaments, the short game is the key to not dropping shots and losing one to the field. You can hit it to eight feet all day, but if you can’t finish, you can’t score and you can’t win. Debbie’s refreshing and educational approach to teaching in Venus on the Fringe is long overdue.” (click on the book for more info about "Venus on the Fringe"
Debbie Steinbach (a.k.a. Venus) is available as an entertainment-styled speaker. She has spoken to a wide variety of corporate groups and organizations including Kraft, Sony, Nabisco, the Executive Women's Golf Association, the Women's Southern California Golf Association and the LPGA. Her narrative about life on and off the course is filled with wit and humor. Debbie's view on the differences between men and women golfers will leave you smiling all the way to your next tee time. Visit her on the web at www.venusgolf.com.

from Ladies Golf Journey - Oct/Nov 2003