Wider Fairways for All:

Diversity is Evolving in Golf

Written by: Tony Schwartz

Last Updated: December 26, 2023

In the verdant world of golf, a transformative wave is reshaping access to fairways and greens that have long symbolized this storied sport. At the heart of this evolution is a burgeoning diversity, bringing vibrant new perspectives and talents to the links which have long been stewarded by white men in the United States. Women golfers are swinging their way into the spotlight, showcasing skill and determination that challenge longstanding norms, including women competing in PGA Tour events. Black golfers and the broader BIPOC community are carving out their rightful place, bringing rich cultural nuances and reshaping the narrative of inclusivity in golf. Meanwhile, the energetic influx of Millennials and Generation Z is redefining the game's traditions, infusing modern sensibilities and technological advancements. This dynamic shift is not just a fleeting trend; it's a profound metamorphosis that is making the sport more accessible and appealing to a broader audience than ever before. On the lush fairways of change, these diverse groups are not just participants—they are trailblazers, shaping the future of golf with every drive, putt, and strategic play. Join us as we delve into this vibrant evolution, exploring how diversity is not just altering the landscape of golf, but enriching it in ways previously unimagined.

The Continued Rise of Women in Golf

The rise of women in golf marks a significant and transformative period in the sport's history, characterized by an unprecedented surge in participation and growing recognition. For many years, women's involvement in golf faced numerous barriers. High costs, including joining fees, membership prices, and the expense of golf equipment and clothing, were significant deterrents. Women have also not been afforded the same professional opportunities, social club access, or overall societal opportunities as compared to their male counterparts. Therefore the exclusiveness of a male-oriented sport which offered access only to an upper echelon of male society had a disproportionately negative effect on women. This tale and storyline is one that has unfortunately affected many areas of women's history in the United States, and only recently have we made efforts to acknowledge the important contributions of women in society as they have been significant over the course of time. All of this to say that women have faced discrimination that I will not be able to fully understand as a white male with privilege. And limited access to golf for women in the beginning really precluded them from playing a more central role in the shaping the sport's history.  Moreover, the sport was predominantly male-focused, leaving women's golf apparel and equipment less accessible and often inadequate​​. The exclusionary culture of golf was epitomized by incidents like Muirfield Golf Club's refusal to overturn a 228-year men-only rule, a policy that led to the club losing its Open Championship status following widespread criticism​​.

However, the landscape of women's golf has evolved dramatically. Initiatives by golf clubs to attract more female players, such as scrapping joining fees for women, lowering membership prices, and just opening private clubs to female memberships have played crucial roles in elevating the role of women in golf. The introduction of women-only golf courses and increased coaching sessions, often led by female golf professionals, have created more welcoming and supportive environments. Additionally, the inclusion of amenities like creches and social activities post-golf has further encouraged women's participation. Women in Golf Foundation focuses on "creating opportunities for females by implementing programs that develop leadership and life skills as they learn to play the game of golf competitively for business and recreational purposes."

According to Today's Golfer, the growth of women's golf is significant, with Europe's Solheim Cup victory expected to further boost participation. The R&A has launched initiatives to increase the number of women and girls in golf, and the prize money for the Women’s Open has been increased by 40 percent​​. There is also a significant latent demand among non-golfing women, with potential to bring millions of new female players to the sport.

First Call Golf highlights that there are over 6 million women playing golf today, and this increase in participation is adding value to the game, and Planet Divot believes strongly that adding representation to the game of golf enhances it. Swinging the door of opportunity to open to a wider group of people enriches the golfing experience and also enables us to consider more perspectives than ever before. The industry is becoming more diverse, with a 14% increase in female on-course golfers since 2019 and girls representing 36% of today's junior golfers. This is a notable rise from 2000 when girls accounted for only 15% of junior participation​​. Companies like Ping and Moon Golf are supporting women's golf through various initiatives, and the PGA of America is actively seeking ways to grow women's presence in the industry.

American Golf notes that the number of women playing golf in the UK more than tripled during the Covid-19 pandemic, with nearly 1.5 million women playing at least one full round of golf in 2020. This growth was influenced by factors such as the rise of female golf influencers and improved availability of women's golf products.

The additional representation of women in golf is important for many reasons. Everything from golf course access, golf course design, playability, the rules of golf, and so many other areas of the sport are positively impacted by the addition of women to the game. While we feel strongly that more women need access to golf courses, we also see the importance of having more women working professionally within the sport of golf to enrich its culture and appeal. By having more women playing and supporting the sport, it becomes more attractive, appealing, relevant, and meaningful for women who play golf. We also believe that other golfers who do not identify as female will benefit from the broadening appeal of the sport. In short, it creates a more well-rounded golfing experience.

Golf Welcomes More Black Golfers & BIPOC Players with Inclusive Initiatives

The story of black golfers is marked by exceptional talent and unyielding perseverance in the face of significant discrimination and challenges. From the early days, African-American golfers faced a landscape riddled with segregation, exclusion, and racial prejudice. African Americans have faced significant barriers in golf, including segregation, discrimination, and prejudice, leading to limited access to courses and equipment, and exclusion from major tournaments. Despite these overwhelming barriers, black golfers forged a path that transformed the sport and paved the way for future generations.

There has been a surge in interest among African American golfers in recent years​. Initiatives like The First Tee, PGA REACH, LPGA USGA Girls Golf, and Youth on Course provide free clinics, equipment, and subsidized golfing opportunities to underrepresented communities​. According to ScreenGolfers.com, 4.1 million African Americans were playing golf in the United States in 2021, which was a significant increase from 2.6 million in 2011​.

The journey of black golfers began with pioneers like John Shippen, who, in 1896, became the first African-American to play in the U.S. Open at the age of 17. Despite facing racial discrimination, he went on to play in five more U.S. Opens. In the 1920s, Robert Hawkins made significant contributions by creating a tour for African-American players excluded from PGA events. By the mid-20th century, African-American golfers like Charlie Sifford and Ann Gregory were breaking color barriers in professional golf. Sifford, often referred to as the "Jackie Robinson of golf," became the first African-American to earn a PGA Tour card in 1961​​​​. Gregory, meanwhile, became the first black woman to compete in a USGA event in 1956, advocating for increased opportunities for black women in golf. Women like Renee Powell, the second black woman to compete on the LPGA Tour, have also made significant contributions. She was also the first woman to compete in a men's golf tournament, later becoming a television commentator and the head professional at Clearview Golf Club​​.

Tiger Woods' impact on golf extends far beyond his remarkable achievements on the course. As the first African-American to win the Masters in 1997, Woods broke significant racial barriers in a sport historically perceived as exclusive to white athletes. His success brought unprecedented attention to golf, attracting a diverse and global audience, thus changing the demographic landscape of the sport. His influence inspired many from minority backgrounds to pursue golf, both recreationally and professionally. Furthermore, through the Tiger Woods Foundation, he has actively worked to make golf more accessible to underprivileged youths, providing educational programs and opportunities in the sport. This combination of on-course success and off-course initiatives has significantly contributed to increasing diversity and representation in golf.

Are Millennials & Generation Z Golfing? Absolutely.

Millennials and generation Z are absolutely golfing to the tune of millions of players. A lot of these golfers such as myself were introduced to the game through a family member like a grandfather, father, uncle, or another close family or friend. In my case, I was introduced to golf at 2 years old when my grandfather began making me custom golf clubs, giving me foam golf balls to practice with, and then ultimately going out onto the golf course to play a few holes. While not everyone has a grandfather capable of producing custom golf clubs for their grandchildren, the reality is that family and close friends play an important role for introducing golf to millennials and generation Z. With our world being connected through social media and other digital forms of communication, there are more ways than ever to learn about golf, research golf instruction, read golf reviews, and connect with other people about golf. This is enabling more millennials and gen Z-ers to play golf, track their results, even share their scorecards, and use platforms like 18Birdies to facilitate it all!

Millennial Golf Trends

1. Increased Participation: Millennials, defined as those born between 1981 and 1996, are engaging more with golf. The average annual rounds played by millennials peaked at 33.9 rounds in 2021, a 9% increase year-over-year, and the average handicap reached a record low of 8.8​​, according to reports.
2. Technology Integration: Millennials are leveraging technology in golf, with an increase in the use of GPS devices for tracking strokes and smartphone apps for scheduling tee times and maintaining scores​​.
3. Social and Environmental Values: A significant 60% of millennials prefer golf venues that actively exhibit social and environmental values, influencing their purchasing decisions and willingness to pay more for responsible practices​​.
4. Golf as a Lifestyle: Millennials are drawn to private clubs offering non-traditional golf play and amenities that encourage casual dining, socialization, and fitness. The interest lies in a multi-use club experience​​.

Generation Z Golf Trends

1. Digital Engagement: Gen Z, born after 1997, has a passion for digital and social networks. Golf needs to adapt to this trend through modern communication, mobile applications, and a strong online presence​​.
2. Interactive Experiences: This generation is attracted to interactive experiences. Golf can leverage this by providing interactive experiences through mobile apps or simulation games, and by hosting online tournaments and social media challenges​​.
3. Content Creation: With the popularity of video platforms like YouTube and Twitch, golf can engage Gen Z by broadcasting live events, behind-the-scenes content, and stories about golfers​​.
4. Authenticity and Diversity: Creating a diverse and authentic environment in golf is crucial for attracting Gen Z, who value sincerity and storytelling​​​​.

General Trends Among Younger Golfers

1. Popularity Among New Demographics: Golf is experiencing growth among Millennials, Gen Z, women, and young children globally, dispelling the myth that it's a sport only for older demographics​​​​.
2. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic contributed significantly to the increased interest in golf, as people looked for alternative, fun, and socially-distanced sports​​.
3. Alternative Golf Options: There's a rising interest in non-traditional golf formats, such as mini-golf, driving ranges, and high-tech golf simulators, catering to the preferences of younger players​​.
4. Relaxed Club Rules: Many old and restrictive club rules have been relaxed, especially at public courses, to make the sport more inclusive and enjoyable​​.
5. Shift in Food Preferences: There's a trend towards healthier food options at golf clubs and resorts, aligning with the tastes of younger players, including Millennials and Gen Z​​.
   

In Conclusion: Representation is Advancing in the World of Golf

Planet Divot exists to serve our audience with reliable, trustworthy, and relevant information pertaining to the world of golf, and we pride ourselves on giving more people representation in the sport. In other words, we take the responsibility of reporting on changes in the gender, age, race, and other demographic trends in golf very seriously because we ultimately want to empower more people to try golf. Not everyone has the same access, resources, or abilities, and we don't want those limitations to preclude women golfers, black golfers, or younger golfers from trying the sport. Of course, we cannot solve all of the issues with diversity in golf and provide more resources to people through reporting alone. We recognize that a lot more work, investment, and partnerships need to be solidified in order for non-white males to prosper in the world of golf. Planet Divot will continue to report on the growing diversity of golfers, how diversity helps make the sport more enjoyable, and future efforts needed to make advancements in DEI in the world of golf. When more people see representations of themselves out on the practice green and driving range, they are more likely to try golf out themselves. We want to enable more people who look like each of you to play the sport so that you all can feel more confident and comfortable teeing it up!