Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Welcome to Pre-Zero Sports Talk, where sports, leadership, community, and progress intersect. Hosted by Sid Bensalah, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the sports industry, this podcast isn’t about preaching or claiming to have all the answers. Instead, it’s a platform for honest, thought-provoking conversations exploring how to create positive, actionable change in and through sports.
Born from a passion for progress, Pre-Zero Sports Talk explores the pressing topics shaping our world today—leadership, innovation, community impact, performance and well-being, regenerative agriculture, governance, and more. Each episode goes beyond the surface, engaging with trailblazers, changemakers, and thought leaders to uncover solutions and inspire new perspectives.
This is a space for real conversations with real people about real issues—conversations that challenge norms, break barriers, and spark action. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, industry leader, or someone seeking to make a difference, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Subscribe now to join a movement that informs, entertains, and empowers. Together, let’s redefine the role of sports in building a cleaner, safer, and more connected world—one episode at a time.
Pre-Zero Sports Talk
Empowering Women in Golf: Mary Boecker’s Story
In this milestone 50th episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Mary Boecker, founder of Queen City Links Ladies. From her first frustrating experience on the course to building a thriving, inclusive golf community for women, Mary shares how she turned confusion into confidence and isolation into impact.
Together, we explore the misconceptions around golf, the challenges women face breaking into the sport, and how building a safe, informed social space can transform the game for beginners and beyond.
Whether you’re new to golf, a community builder, or love stories of leadership through action, this episode will resonate deeply.
Timestamps
(00:00) Intro: Empowering Women in Golf
(01:06) Mary’s First Golf Experience
(02:21) Reigniting Her Passion Post-Pandemic
(03:37) The Handicap Barrier & Missed Opportunity
(06:42) From Golfer to Community Leader
(09:08) Launching the First Queen City Event
(12:38) Common Challenges Women Face in Golf
(36:17) Practical Tips for Beginner Golfers
(37:15) Addressing the Information Gap
(38:46) Playing Golf on a Budget
(40:29) Balancing Golf with a Busy Life
(42:09) Finding Personal Motivation in the Game
(45:38) Essential Skills Beginners Should Focus On
(48:31) Creating a Supportive Golf Community
(50:33) Future Goals for Queen City Links Ladies
(53:39) Promoting Golf to Girls & Young Women
(58:30) Lightning Round: Fun & Personal Questions
🙏 We Need Your Support
If you’ve enjoyed this episode or found value in the conversation, please consider liking, sharing, and subscribing. Without your support, we couldn’t bring essential stories like this to life.
Thank you to Mary Boecker for her honesty, wisdom, and inspiring journey. Guests like Mary and listeners like you are why we’ve reached 50 episodes quickly. Here’s to the next 50 and beyond. Let’s keep the conversation going. 💬
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