Jackson Reid
Golf has historically been regarded as a man's game, with many golf clubs having gender-based restrictions on membership. However, this seems to be changing, with a surge in women taking up the sport. Between 2020 and 2022, more than 800,000 American women started playing golf, bringing the total number of female golfers in the US to 6.4 million. This increase in female participation has been driven by several factors, including the pandemic, the rise of remote work, the influence of social media, and the emergence of off-course golf entertainment venues. As a result, the golf industry is evolving to become more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of female golfers worldwide | 19% |
| Number of golfers worldwide | 80 million |
| Number of female golfers worldwide | 30 million (WGF target for 2017) |
| Percentage of women who want to learn golf with other beginners | 48% |
| Percentage of new golfers who were women in 2006 | 67% |
| Number of women golfers competing for the first major championship for women | 156 |
| Number of women golfers in the UK during the pandemic | 1.5 million |
| Percentage of club members who are female | 13% |
| Average age of a female member | 64 |
| Number of female golfers in the US | 6.4 million |
| Percentage of female golfers among traditional golfers | 26% |
| Percentage increase in female golfers from 2020 to 2022 | 15% |
| Percentage of golfers under 18 years old who are girls | 38% |
| Percentage of golfers under 18 years old who were girls in 1986 | 14% |
| Percentage of female golfers among off-course golfers | 42% |
| Number of female golfers in the US | 45 million |
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What You'll Learn
Women golfers in the US
Women are driving the growth of golf in the US, with the number of female golfers on the rise since the pandemic. From 2020 to 2022, more than 800,000 American women took up the sport, bringing the total number of female golfers in the US to 6.4 million, an increase of about 15%. This surge in female golfers has resulted in the highest proportion of women on record, with women and girls accounting for just over a quarter of traditional golfers.
The increase in female golfers has been attributed to several factors. One factor is the emergence of social media groups and communities that offer support and advice to female golfers. These groups provide a sense of camaraderie and encouragement for women in a sport that has been historically male-dominated. Additionally, organisations like Sister Golf in Alabama and Fore the Ladies, a non-profit, are actively working to make golf more accessible and inclusive for women. The abundance of junior developmental programs with a female focus has also contributed significantly, with girls representing 38% of all golfers under 18, a dramatic evolution from 14% in 1986.
The rise in remote work during the pandemic also played a role in this trend, as it allowed people more time to pursue new hobbies and sports. Golf was deemed one of the safest sports during the early days of the Covid-19 crisis, making it an attractive option for those seeking outdoor activities. The increase in female golfers has been welcomed by the golf industry, which is now offering new equipment and initiatives to cater to this growing demographic.
While the number of female golfers is increasing, there is still a significant gender disparity among professional golfers in the US. Men make up 92% of professional golfers, while women account for only 8%. However, it is worth noting that in 2022, professional women golfers earned 98% of what men earned, which is significantly better than the average for other professional sports. As the number of female golfers continues to grow and diversify, the golf industry is evolving to become more welcoming and inclusive for women.
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Female golfers in the UK
Despite the perception of golf as a male-dominated sport, there has been a recent surge in female golfers in the UK. This surge is largely due to grassroots initiatives like Skratch Women and the UK Women's Golf Community, which have highlighted the global rise of off-course golf. In 2023, on-course play declined by 8%, while off-course participation at driving ranges, simulators, and entertainment venues increased by 19%. This shift has made golf more appealing to new audiences, particularly women, who now make up almost half of off-course golfers.
While this growth in female golfers is encouraging, women in the UK still face barriers to entry, including financial and social obstacles. For example, the average annual female golf club membership fee in England in 2014 was £848, with an additional cost of £117 for juniors. Furthermore, traditional golf clubs may not be a good fit for many women, especially those balancing careers and other commitments. As a result, many women are turning to communities that offer the freedom to play at different venues and meet new people, rather than committing to a single club.
Female celebrity golfers in the UK are also playing a significant role in breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in the sport. By participating in tournaments and showcasing their skills, these women are proving that golf is not just a sport for wealthy men but can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and genders. One such celebrity golfer is Charley Hull, who is known for her powerful and accurate drives. Hull has represented Europe in the Solheim Cup three times and has won an LPGA title. She is also passionate about promoting diversity and equality in golf and often participates in charity tournaments to raise awareness.
Initiatives like #ThisGirlGolfs are also working to shift the perception of golf as a "man's game" and encourage female participation. #ThisGirlGolfs is supported by the PGA and England Golf as part of their 'Raising Our Game' strategy, which aims to increase the number of people playing golf regularly and reverse the decline in club members. By highlighting women who are already playing golf at all levels, #ThisGirlGolfs hopes to inspire more women to take up the game. With these collective efforts, the future of female golfers in the UK looks bright, and it is likely that we will see a surge of young female golfers inspired by their celebrity role models.
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Social media influence
The rise of social media influencers has had a significant impact on women's golf. Golf influencers have amassed substantial followings on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, leveraging their influence to create profitable income streams through sponsorships, partnerships, and promotional deals. These influencers showcase their skills, provide valuable tips, and inspire their fans, particularly young girls, by challenging gender norms and promoting equality in a male-dominated sport.
One notable example is Paige Spiranac, who has gained widespread popularity with 3.9 million followers on Instagram, surpassing even Tiger Woods. Spiranac's influence extends beyond social media, landing her sponsorship deals, television commercials, and appearances in golf magazines. She has become a role model, helping to grow the game among women. Other prominent golf influencers include Tisha Alyn, Tania Tare, Bri Teresi, and Elise Lobb Dzingel, who use their platforms to inspire and motivate others while also monetizing their influence through brand collaborations.
Social media has revolutionized the way golfers interact with their fans, creating an unprecedented level of engagement and connection. Fans now have access to behind-the-scenes content, training routines, and real-time updates from tournaments, bringing them closer to the action and making the game more appealing and accessible. This has resulted in the creation of vibrant communities, especially for female golfers, who find support and camaraderie in these online spaces.
Additionally, social media has played a role in making golf "'cool' among younger generations, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian generating buzz about the sport. The pandemic also spurred a surge in interest among women, with about 800,000 American women taking up golf during this time, further contributing to the growth of the female golf community.
However, social media influence in women's golf is not without its challenges. Female golfers often face scrutiny and criticism on social media, with a focus on their appearance rather than their athletic accomplishments. This can take a toll on their mental health and impact the perceptions of younger girls who look up to them. Despite these challenges, golf influencers continue to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of women's golf and challenging gender stereotypes.
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Golf clubs' gender policies
Golf has long been considered a "man's game", with many private golf clubs in the US previously enforcing discriminatory policies relating to gender, religion, and race. While the majority of private golf and country clubs are shedding stringent rules, there are still some golf clubs that only allow men to become members. For example, Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts The Masters, did not allow women until 2012.
Women are currently driving the growth of golf, with a record number of women and girls playing golf on a course in 2023, the highest participation levels in the US since 2006. There are about 6.4 million female golfers in the US, making up 26% of the on-course golfer population, the highest proportion on record. This surge in female golfers has been attributed to several factors, including the increased availability of golf entertainment venues, such as Topgolf, that provide a fun and less intimidating atmosphere. Social media has also played a role, with professional golfers and golf influencers accumulating large followings, particularly among younger generations.
Despite this growth, there are still instances of gender inequality in golf clubs. Some clubs protect the most desirable tee times for their male members, leaving women with the least favourable time slots. There is also a perception that women golfers lack skill, strength, financial stability, and social status, leading to microaggressions and double standards. Additionally, at amateur and professional golf tournaments, men are often given the opportunity to play on the nicer, more prestigious courses, while women are not.
To address these issues, golf clubs should ensure that women have equal access to membership, with the same number and quality of amenities, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and tee times. Golf clubs should also work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for women, removing any discriminatory policies and practices. This includes providing equal opportunities for women to play on prestigious courses and challenging any perceptions that women golfers are "slow" or lack skill.
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Women's golf equipment
Women are driving the growth of golf since the pandemic, with a surge in interest among women and girls. In 2023, a near-record number of women played golf, the highest participation level in the U.S. since 2006. There are currently about 6.4 million female golfers, making up more than one-quarter of the on-course golfer population in the U.S. This growth has resulted in the traditionally male-dominated golf industry catering to female golfers by offering a range of women's golf equipment.
Golf Galaxy offers a range of women's golf clubs from top brands such as TaylorMade, Titleist, PING, Callaway, Cleveland, Nike, ADAMS, and Cobra. They provide women's golf drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters. Golf Galaxy also offers complete sets for beginners or recreational golfers.
MASTERGOLF offers a range of women's golf clubs, including the PGM Stick Golf Full Set Ladies Series with a graphite carbon rod and the PGM Stik Golf 4 Set RIO III with a non-slip rubber grip and a graphite carbon shaft. They also provide a variety of wedges, putters, and accessories.
In addition to clubs and accessories, women can also find specialised golf clothing, such as polo shirts, shorts, and gear from brands like Under Armour.
The LPGA Tour has also unveiled a new line of affordable equipment at Walmart to increase access for female beginners and juniors, making golf more inclusive and welcoming for all.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 6.4 million female golfers worldwide, making up 19% of all golfers. In the US, women account for more than one-quarter (26%) of on-course golfers, and 33% of all golfers when off-course forms of the game, such as Topgolf, are included.
The number of women playing golf has been increasing in recent years, with more than 800,000 American women taking up the sport between 2020 and 2022. This represented a 15% increase in female golfers, compared to a 2% increase among male golfers. The number of female golfers in the UK more than tripled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are several factors contributing to the increase in women playing golf. During the pandemic, golf was deemed one of the safest sports, and the rise in remote work gave people more time to take up new hobbies. Social media has also spurred interest among millennial and Gen Z women, with celebrities and professional golfers accumulating large followings. In addition, the golf industry is becoming more inclusive, with clubs moving away from discriminatory policies and introducing initiatives to encourage girls and women to take up the sport.
The future looks positive for women in golf, with the sport experiencing a surge in interest among women and girls. The female golfer population is also becoming more diverse, with a higher proportion of beginners and juniors. However, there is still work to be done to increase female membership at golf clubs and make the sport more welcoming and accessible to women.
