Nina Caldwell
Female golfers are having a moment. There has never been greater female representation in the sport, with women and girls accounting for just over a quarter of traditional golfers. In 2023, a near-record number of women and girls played golf on a course in the US, the highest levels of participation since 2006. The number of female golfers is up from 5.6 million in 2019 to 6.4 million in 2022, an increase of 800,000. The number of male golfers in the same period rose by 900,000. The sport has also seen an increase in diversity, with female golfers making up a larger proportion of beginners and juniors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of female golfers | 6.4 million |
| Female golfers as a proportion of total golfers | 33% |
| Number of female golfers playing off-course | 7.8 million (42% of all off-course golfers) |
| Number of female golfers playing on-course | 15 million (25% of all traditional golfers) |
| Number of female golfers under 18 | 38% of all golfers under 18 |
| Female golfers in 2019 | 5.6 million |
| Net gain in number of female golfers since 2019 | 800,000+ |
| Percentage increase in number of female golfers since 2019 | 15% |
| Number of female golfers in 2007 | 2 million less than in 2011 |
| Number of female golfers in 2011 | 2 million less than in 2007 |
| Percentage decrease in number of female golfers from 2007-2011 | 28% |
| Number of female golfers since 2019 | Net gain of 1.4 million |
| Number of female golfers in LPGA | More than 1,800 |
| Number of female golfers in LPGA chapters globally | 15,500+ |
| First female golfer | Mary, Queen of Scots |
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What You'll Learn
- Female golfers are growing in number, with 33% of the 45 million Americans who play golf being female
- The number of female golfers is increasing at a higher rate than male golfers, with a 15% net gain in female golfers compared to 2% in male golfers
- The number of female golfers dropped by 2 million between 2007 and 2011, but has since rebounded, with a net gain of 1.4 million on-course female golfers since 2019
- The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) was founded in 1950 and has grown into one of the most prominent sports organisations, with over 15,500 members worldwide
- Mary, Queen of Scots, was the first female golfer, documented in 1567-1568
Female golfers are growing in number, with 33% of the 45 million Americans who play golf being female
Female golfers are on the rise, with a notable increase in their numbers in recent years. In the United States, out of 45 million Americans who play golf, 33% are women, indicating a growing female presence in the sport. This shift is not just about numbers; it's about diversity, too, with a broader range of women and girls taking up the game.
The year 2023 witnessed a near-record number of female golfers on courses in the US, the highest since 2006. This surge in female golfers is especially significant following the decline observed between 2007 and 2011, when the number of female golfers dropped by 2 million. Since 2019, however, there has been a rebound, with a net gain of 1.4 million female golfers, outpacing the increase of 900,000 male golfers during the same period.
Several factors contribute to this positive trend. Firstly, there has been a concerted effort to introduce girls to the game at a younger age, with junior developmental programs focused on females. As a result, girls now represent 38% of golfers under 18, up from just 14% when participation tracking began in 1986. Secondly, the rise of off-course golf entertainment venues like Topgolf and indoor simulator facilities has attracted more female participants. Among the 18.5 million people who only play off-course golf, 42% are women, suggesting that these alternative formats are particularly appealing to female players.
The future looks bright for women's golf, with 7 million+ females expressing a strong interest in trying traditional golf. This potential influx of new female players could lead to a record number of traditional female golfers in the coming years. The growth of women's golf is also being driven by organisations like the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025. The LPGA has been instrumental in fostering the development of women's golf worldwide, empowering girls and women with confidence, friendships, and life skills through initiatives like Girls Golf.
Female golfers, both professional and amateur, are an integral part of the golfing world, and their increasing numbers signal a positive shift towards greater diversity and inclusivity in the sport.
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The number of female golfers is increasing at a higher rate than male golfers, with a 15% net gain in female golfers compared to 2% in male golfers
Golf is experiencing a surge in female players, with a 15% net gain in female golfers compared to a 2% increase in male golfers. This trend is encouraging for the sport, signalling a positive shift towards greater gender diversity on the golf course.
The number of female golfers is on the rise, with approximately 6.4 million female golfers worldwide, up from 5.6 million in 2019. This increase of 800,000 female golfers surpasses the growth seen among their male counterparts. The sport is witnessing a notable shift, with a higher proportion of female beginners and juniors compared to their representation among on-course participants. This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where, among the 45 million Americans who play any type of golf, 33% are female.
The recent growth in female golfers is not just about numbers; it's also about diversity. The sport is attracting women from various backgrounds, ages, and nationalities. For instance, in 2023, a near-record number of women and girls played golf on a course in the United States, marking the highest participation levels since 2006. Additionally, girls represent 38% of all golfers under 18, a significant increase from 14% when participation tracking began in 1986. This indicates a successful evolution in a relatively short time.
The rise in female golfers can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the abundance of junior development programs with a female focus has played a significant role. Initiatives like Girls Golf, introduced by the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), aim to empower young girls by introducing them to the game and fostering confidence, friendships, and life skills. Secondly, the increased availability of golf entertainment venues like Topgolf and indoor simulator facilities has provided a more socially focused and less intimidating environment for women to engage with the sport. These venues offer a fun and comfortable atmosphere, reducing the traditional barriers to entry associated with golf.
The future growth of female golfers depends on sustaining this positive trajectory and appealing to a younger generation while respecting the traditions of the sport. With the right balance, golf has the potential to continue attracting and retaining female players, further enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of the golfing community.
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The number of female golfers dropped by 2 million between 2007 and 2011, but has since rebounded, with a net gain of 1.4 million on-course female golfers since 2019
There are indeed female golfers, and their numbers are growing. The female golfer population is not only increasing but also becoming more diverse. In 2024, there were nearly 8 million female on-course golfers (aged 6+) in the US, with females making up 28% of on-course golfers, the highest proportion on record. This is a significant increase from 2007-2011, when the number of female golfers dropped by 2 million.
Several factors contributed to the decline in female golfers during that period. The Great Recession, for example, caused tighter finances and a decrease in discretionary spending, affecting pay-for-play recreational activities like golf. As a result, the number of female golfers dropped by about 2 million, a more significant proportional decline than the 9% decrease seen among male golfers.
However, since 2019, there has been a net gain of 1.4 million on-course female golfers, with a total gain of 2.3 million female golfers across on-course and off-course golf. This rebound has been gradual, accelerating in the post-pandemic era. The growth in female golfers is also evident among juniors, with 35% of junior golfers being girls, a notable increase from 15% in 2000.
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), founded in 1950, has played a significant role in fostering the growth and development of women's golf worldwide. With over 15,500 members worldwide, the LPGA promotes women's golf through teaching, managing golf facilities, coaching, and more.
The future looks bright for women's golf, with a record number of female golfers expected in 2024 if the current growth trend continues. Additionally, the high level of interest among non-golfing young adults, with over 7 million expressing a strong desire to take up traditional golf, further fuels the sport's growth.
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The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) was founded in 1950 and has grown into one of the most prominent sports organisations, with over 15,500 members worldwide
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is an American organisation for female golfers, founded in 1950. It is the oldest continuing women's professional sports organisation in the United States. The LPGA has grown to become one of the most prominent and influential sports organisations in the world, with over 15,500 members.
The LPGA was established at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, Kansas, by 13 pioneering women golfers. These women were Alice Bauer, Patty Berg, Bettye Danoff, Helen Dettweiler, Marlene Hagge, Helen Hicks, Opal Hill, Betty Jameson, Sally Sessions, Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias. Patty Berg was the LPGA's first president, and six of the founders had already been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as individuals before the remaining founders were inducted as a group in 2023.
The LPGA is best known for running the LPGA Tour, a series of weekly golf tournaments for elite women golfers worldwide. The first LPGA tournament was the 1950 Tampa Women's Open, held at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club in Tampa, Florida. In 1956, the LPGA hosted its first tournament outside the US, the Havana Open in Cuba. Since then, the LPGA Tour has expanded globally, with tournaments held in Asia, Europe, Australia, and Canada.
The LPGA also has an annual qualifying school, similar to the PGA Tour, and supports women and young people through programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. One such initiative is Girls Golf, which aims to introduce girls to the game and empower them with confidence, friendships, and life skills. The LPGA Professionals, comprising over 1,800 members, work in the golf industry daily, advancing the sport through teaching, managing golf facilities, coaching, and more.
The LPGA has fostered the growth and development of women's golf worldwide, and its success has contributed significantly to the increasing participation of female golfers. In 2023, a near-record number of women and girls played golf on a course, marking the highest participation levels in the US since 2006. The LPGA's influence extends beyond the US, with its global chapters and tournaments fostering a diverse and inclusive community of female golfers.
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Mary, Queen of Scots, was the first female golfer, documented in 1567-1568
Mary, Queen of Scots has gone down in history as the first female golfer. She played golf in France during her childhood, as a member of the French royal family. It is believed that she brought the concept of caddies to the game, with military cadets carrying her golf clubs.
Mary Queen of Scots is said to have introduced golf to Scotland, playing since 1552. She was a tall and athletic woman, also enjoying riding, hunting, archery and tennis. She was a pioneer, taking the sport to France and commissioning the St. Andrews Links in Scotland.
In 1567, she was accused by her enemies of playing golf within days of the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley. This accusation was compounded by her marriage, only months later, to the Earl of Bothwell, the leading suspect in the case. Her love of golf is said to have contributed to her downfall, as it fuelled speculation that she was involved in the plot to kill her husband.
Mary's golfing activities caused Scottish historian George Buchanan to write that she was playing "sports that were clearly unsuitable for women". Despite this, she persisted in playing, and her legacy is one that has paved the way for female golfers worldwide.
Today, the female golfer population is growing and becoming more diverse. In 2023, a near-record number of women and girls played golf on a course, with the highest participation levels in the US since 2006. The LPGA, founded in 1950, has grown into a prominent organisation with over 15,500 members worldwide, fostering the development of women's golf.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 6.4 million female golfers, up from 5.6 million in 2019.
Females make up 33% of all golfers, with this proportion being even higher (42%) among the 18.5 million people who play off-course golf.
The number of female golfers has been increasing, with a net gain of 800,000+ since 2019, which is far more than the increase on the men's side.
The growth in female golfers has been driven by various factors, including the pandemic, which spurred a surge in interest among women, the increasing number of junior developmental programs with a female focus, and the emergence of golf entertainment venues like Topgolf that offer a less intimidating environment. Additionally, the golf industry has become more welcoming to women, with athletic wear brands catering to female golfers and golf brands recognising the rapid rise of women's purchasing power in the market.
