Growing Opportunities for Females in Golf

Nearly 6 million women play golf, representing 23% of all golfers, reports the National Golf Foundation. As this segment continues to grow, there are more opportunities than ever for women to play the game and for newcomers to learn it.

The infrastructure to bring in women golfers is growing. LPGA*USGA Girls Golf has more than 500 programs across the country with more than 80,000 participants in 2018. That number was just 4,500 in 2010. And of the 2.6 million new golfers in 2018, 31% were female. Junior programs like Get Golf Ready, LPGA & USGA Girls Golf, The First Tee and others continue to bring in young women to the game. High school programs have grown from 8,816 schools and 64,195 participants in 2005 to 10,289 schools and 78,781 participants in 2018, reports the National Federation of State High School Associations.

At the higher levels, women have new opportunities as well. The Symetra Tour is the official developmental golf tour of the LPGA. The tour has helped more than 600 golfers earn LPGA Tour membership, including Lorena Ochoa, Inbee Park, Gerina Piller, and Nelly Korda. Together, Symetra Tour players have won 440 LPGA titles and since 2013, they have won 11 LPGA Majors. The total purse for 2019 Symetra Tour tournaments is $4 million. 

The Symetra Tour, has opened its doors for clubs interested in hosting an upcoming tournament. Through hosting an event, clubs can elevate their brand and role as a leader in women’s golf, introducing newcomers to the game and providing role models for aspiring golfers. If your club is interested in learning more, please contact the LPGA’s VP Corporate Partnerships Dave Lafrennie at david.lafrennie@lpga.com or 386-274-6236.