A woman takes her first step onto the practice range. She adjusts her grip, uncertain yet curious, surrounded by a sport that has for generations been viewed as the domain of men. For decades, golf has been the image of exclusivity and tradition. But today, the fairways are beginning to look different.
According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 8 million women in the United States played golf on a course in 2024 – a record 28% of all on-course golfers. Women also represented a larger share of beginners (39%), juniors (35%), and off-course participants (43%) than ever before. The trend is clear: more women are discovering the game, and many are choosing to stay.
This shift brings with it an important question: how do clubs and organizations encourage even more women to step onto the course and, just as importantly, how do they ensure those women feel welcome enough to continue?
Based on both data and past studies, we have created four strategies as pathways to creating a more inclusive environment and unlocking the potential of this growing segment of players.
- Create a community
Golf is often called a community in itself, but for many women new to the game, that community can feel distant. Early engagement is less about lowering handicaps and more about feeling comfortable, having fun, and building relationships. Programs designed with women in mind recognize this, blending the game with opportunities for connection.
The Danish Golf Union offers a compelling case study. Their initiative to attract and retain female golfers paired introductory lessons with social activities ranging from cooking classes and wine-tasting to yoga and dance sessions. The approach worked. More than 600 women joined, and 75% continued playing after the eight-week program concluded.
This shows that when golf clubs present the game as both a sport and a social experience, women are more likely to see the course not as an intimidating arena, but as a welcoming space where they belong.
- Time and scheduling
Comfort on the course isn’t just about skill – it’s also about time. Many women juggle responsibilities beyond golf, and scheduling that respects those demands can make the difference between a one-time visit and a lifelong habit.
Timing matters. Friday night events, for instance, may exclude mothers with family obligations or younger women with social plans. In contrast, weekend mornings or afternoons can create windows where more women are able to participate without conflict.
Beyond scheduling, the structure of play itself can be a barrier or an invitation. Shorter rounds - six, nine, or twelve holes instead of the traditional eighteen– are proving to be a powerful tool. Players 1st's data shows that 43% of female golfers would play more often if given this opportunity.
These shorter formats also support retention. Women who are uncertain about committing to a full round, or who play less than once a week, are far more likely to return when golf fits neatly into their schedules. By rethinking both timing and format, clubs can remove friction and make participation feel manageable, enjoyable, and sustainable.
- Architecture for women
Getting women on the course isn’t only about programming or scheduling – it’s also about the physical environment. As Kari Haug, a golf course architect and licensed landscape architect in Minnesota, points out, many women don’t feel that traditional courses were designed with them in mind.
Factors such as diverse skill levels, differing paces of play, and physical considerations can make a course feel intimidating rather than inviting. Addressing these issues starts with creating a more carefree environment for newcomers. Allowing women to play their first holes at their own pace, without the pressure of faster groups or judgment, can significantly improve early experiences.
Course design itself can also play a role. Introducing tees with varied lengths, rethinking hole layouts, and providing restrooms on the course all acknowledge women’s needs and make the game more accessible. By tailoring the environment to accommodate comfort, skill, and practicality, clubs can transform the course from a barrier into a welcoming space that encourages continued participation.
- Club identity
Finally, attracting women to the golf course is not just about a strategy; it’s about shaping the culture of the club itself. A single initiative can spark interest, but lasting change requires that everyone, from staff to stakeholders, shares a common mission of inclusion.
When the entire club embraces this goal, new ideas flourish and support grows organically.
Renate Roeleveld, General Manager at Golfbaan Sluispolder, has successfully increased female participation by involving women in leadership and decision-making roles. This approach not only sets a visible example but also fosters a more diverse and inclusive environment where women feel valued and empowered to participate fully.
Increasing women’s participation in golf is not a single-step effort – it requires a holistic approach. By fostering welcoming communities, offering flexible schedules and shorter rounds, designing courses with women in mind, and embedding inclusion into a club’s identity, golf can evolve from a male-dominated pastime into a truly accessible and engaging sport for everyone. When clubs combine thoughtful programming, considerate design, and a culture of inclusion, they don’t just attract female golfers –they create an environment where women feel seen, supported, and inspired to stay.