For decades, golf has been synonymous with manicured greens, silent concentration, and an unspoken understanding of tradition. But beneath the surface of what once seemed like a men’s sport, women have always been there, carving out their space, making history, and changing the game for the better. From the early pioneers who defied cultural norms to modern-day champions smashing records, the story of women in golf is one of resilience, passion, and a continuous push for equality. Their journey has not only changed the dynamics of the sport but has also made it a more inclusive place for everyone.
Early Pioneers in Women’s Golf
The history of women in golf goes back further than many realize. In 1867, the first women’s golf club, the Ladies’ Golf Club of St. Andrews, was established in Scotland, marking the beginning of women’s involvement in organized golf. The foundation of this club was a crucial milestone in allowing women to claim a space on the course, a place that had been almost exclusively reserved for men. The members of the Ladies’ Golf Club of St. Andrews, often playing in cumbersome dresses and against societal expectations, were some of the earliest pioneers in the sport.
Around the same time, Mary, Queen of Scots, has often been credited as one of the first notable female golfers. She played at the grounds of St. Andrews, now widely regarded as the home of golf. Her passion for the sport was a bold statement at a time when few women were seen engaging in such activities. This early involvement by notable figures set the stage for women’s golf, which, although growing slowly, was starting to take root.
The Emergence of Women’s Tournaments
One significant leap forward came in the early 20th century, with the introduction of women-specific golf tournaments. The U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, first played in 1895, became one of the key events where women could compete at a high level. The establishment of this tournament gave rise to a group of talented female golfers, each showcasing that they were just as skilled, capable, and competitive as their male counterparts.
One of the iconic players of this era was Glenna Collett Vare, often called the “First Lady of American Golf.” Vare won six U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships between 1922 and 1935 and became an enduring symbol of women’s tenacity and skill in golf. Her success not only inspired countless women but also established a benchmark for what female golfers could achieve.
The following decades saw more women stepping into the limelight. In the 1930s, Joyce Wethered, an English amateur golfer, was admired by both male and female players for her extraordinary skill. Bobby Jones, arguably the best golfer of that era, once said that Wethered possessed a better swing than most men he had played with, a statement that challenged traditional notions of gender and golf.
The Formation of the LPGA
A true turning point in women’s golf came in 1950 with the founding of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Thirteen pioneering women, including the legendary Babe Didrikson Zaharias, founded the LPGA to create opportunities for women to play professionally. Zaharias, known for her exceptional athleticism, was a multi-sport athlete who brought her competitive spirit to golf, helping elevate the status of the women’s game.
The formation of the LPGA was more than just the beginning of a professional tour; it was a bold statement. It showed that women were here to compete, not just as an afterthought or a side attraction, but as serious athletes who demanded recognition and respect. Players like Zaharias, Patty Berg, and Louise Suggs were instrumental in giving the LPGA a solid foundation, and their influence helped the association grow in prestige and popularity.
Breaking Boundaries and Challenging the Status Quo
The establishment of the LPGA also marked the beginning of an era where women started challenging the status quo in golf. In the 1960s and 1970s, players like Mickey Wright and Kathy Whitworth brought the game to new heights. Mickey Wright’s powerful swing was so legendary that even today, golf analysts consider it one of the best swings in the history of the sport—male or female. Wright’s dominance on the course, with 82 LPGA Tour victories, helped push the game forward and made her a household name.
Kathy Whitworth, who accumulated 88 LPGA Tour victories, became an icon in her own right, not only for her incredible accomplishments but for her sportsmanship and determination. Her record for the most wins by any golfer—male or female—remains unmatched. Whitworth’s career serves as a reminder that women’s golf was never about simply being good for women; it was about being great, period.
Modern-Day Trailblazers
The women of today stand on the shoulders of these early pioneers and continue to push the game forward. Annika Sörenstam, who turned professional in 1992, is one of the most significant figures in modern women’s golf. Sörenstam broke numerous records, including being the first woman in 58 years to play in a PGA Tour event when she teed it up at the Colonial in 2003. Her career has been defined by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence, and her influence extends beyond her playing days, with her ongoing efforts to promote women’s golf through the Annika Foundation.
Another modern icon is Lorena Ochoa, who dominated the LPGA Tour in the mid-2000s. The Mexican golfer held the World No. 1 ranking for 158 consecutive weeks and became a beacon of hope for aspiring golfers from Latin America. Her influence has been particularly powerful in encouraging young girls from diverse backgrounds to pursue golf, proving that the sport is for everyone, regardless of nationality or economic status.
Today, players like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and Brooke Henderson are making headlines and inspiring the next generation of female golfers. Their achievements are a testament to how far women’s golf has come, and their visibility in the media is helping shift the public’s perception of the sport. They are not only remarkable athletes but also role models for young girls who see in them the possibility of a career in golf.
Fighting for Equality
Despite the immense progress, the fight for equality in golf continues. Issues such as pay disparity, limited sponsorship opportunities, and fewer televised events still plague women’s golf compared to the men’s game. The difference in prize money between the PGA and LPGA Tours remains significant, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to bridge the gap. Initiatives like the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which has increased its prize purse in recent years, show that progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go.
Organizations like the Women’s Golf Alliance and movements such as #InviteHER are working to make golf more inclusive, encouraging courses and clubs to be more welcoming to women. The aim is to break down the barriers that have historically kept women out, whether they are cultural, economic, or simply misconceptions about who should be on the golf course.
The Cultural Impact of Women in Golf
Beyond the professional tours and major championships, women in golf have also had a substantial cultural impact. Female golfers have been instrumental in changing the perception of golf as an “old boys’ club.” By participating in, supporting, and promoting the sport, they have opened doors for other women, including those who may never play professionally but enjoy the game as a recreational activity.
Women like Renee Powell, one of the first African American women to play on the LPGA Tour, have worked tirelessly to promote diversity in golf. Powell’s efforts to bring golf to underrepresented communities have paved the way for future generations, ensuring that golf becomes a sport where everyone feels they belong. Her work at Clearview Golf Club, which was founded by her father and is the first integrated golf course in the United States, exemplifies her dedication to making golf accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
The future of women in golf looks bright. With increased visibility, more sponsorships, and the support of global organizations, young girls now have more opportunities than ever to pursue golf at both amateur and professional levels. Programs designed to introduce golf to young girls, such as LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, are crucial in maintaining this momentum and ensuring that the next generation is even more diverse and talented.
The ongoing story of women in golf is one of breaking boundaries, challenging perceptions, and making the sport accessible to all. From the Ladies’ Golf Club of St. Andrews to today’s LPGA stars, women have continuously proven that they belong on the golf course. The pioneers and trailblazers of the past laid the groundwork, and today’s players are taking it further, striving not only for victory but for equality and recognition. As the next generation takes up the clubs, they do so with the knowledge that they are part of a rich legacy—one defined by courage, skill, and the unyielding belief that golf is for everyone.
