Breaking down barriers

The PGA Women’s Golf Clinics have attracted more than 48,000 participants and will offer 12 events this year in nine American markets. It’s a hot ticket for corporate women at such companies as Fidelity Investments, a partner in the Women’s Golf Clinics for 25 of its 33 years. Corporate partners of the clinics receive participant allocations that are then awarded to women clients and professional staff for a day of golf instruction and networking. “Fidelity tells us it’s their most coveted invitation and their clients love it,” said Jane Blalock, founder and CEO of Boston-based JBC Golf Inc., which manages and operates the clinics. “But it’s really much more than a golf clinic for these women,” said Blalock, 78. “It’s a day of elevating and empowerment of every aspect of their lives.”

Blalock got the idea to start the clinics after retiring in 1985 from a successful career on the LPGA Tour. She had been the LPGA’s 1969 Rookie of the Year, recorded 27 career LPGA wins and set a record for 299 consecutive LPGA tournaments played withou...