Women's golf continues equality push
Golf’s surge in popularity among women has prompted magazine Golf Digest to set up a dedicated page for females to learn, connect and grow the game.
Golf Digest Woman launched earlier this week with a 21-page supplement, with topics such as a fitness fanatic’s love for golf, what clubs to buy, learning the golf swing, uncluttering the mind to play better golf, playing with your other half and a rethink of golf’s dress codes.
“Since 2020, about 2.2 million women have taken up golf, the largest increase in more than 15 years, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF),” wrote Golf Digest Editors.
“The restrictions placed on our lives by the pandemic made golf an attractive outdoor option. We want to make sure these new golfers stick with the game and thrive.
“Golf is a lot of fun, but it’s also hard, and we’re not just talking about getting the ball in the hole. Figuring out where to play, what clubs to buy and what to wear is a lot to navigate in a male-dominated sport.
“Across these 21 pages, you’ll find stories to inspire, educate and empower. Golf hasn’t always welcomed women. We want to change that.”
Syngenta highlighted earlier in 2022 how online platforms such as Women Who Golf (in the USA) – and in the UK The Ladies Golf Lounge and UK Women’s Golf Community – were set up in the last two years and have been a valuable tool for beginners and experienced players alike.
Women & Golf editor Emma Ballard told Syngenta in February: “I’ve seen a lot of women setting up Instagram accounts to document their beginner’s golfing journey.
“You hear of more people saying ‘Do you know what? I’m just going to give it a go’ and when I speak to my local pro he gets enquiries from single women who aren’t coming with a friend and have never played golf before.
“That’s a real shift in the mindset of women when it comes to golf."
Golf growth among youngsters in the US is also reaching new heights. For the first time last year more than one million girls aged 6-17 were playing the sport, with an 1800% participation increase from 2010-20, said the NGF.
To stay relevant with younger audiences, on social media a dedicated Golf Digest Facebook group will be introduced with a TikTok account to follow soon after, while a new women’s section on the website will increase its volume of content.
“The women’s golf community is already strong. We’re here to make it stronger,” said staff writer Keely Levins.
