Women's Golf is Driving Growth on the Course
- May 6
- 7 min read
Updated: May 16
Golf is growing again, and a major reason why is the rising number of women getting into the game. From local leagues and weekend clinics to simulator bays and full-length courses, more women are picking up clubs and shaping the future of golf. This isn’t a niche trend. It’s part of a broader shift in how people discover, learn, and enjoy the sport. While golf’s traditions remain strong, the path into the game is now more open than ever, women are stepping through that door in record numbers.
The Surge in Women's Golf Participation
According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 7.9 million women played golf on a course in the U.S. in 2024, an all-time high. That’s a 25% increase since 2019 and the highest level of participation since 2006. In Canada, women now represent more than 25% of the country’s six million golfers, with especially strong growth among junior and recreational players.
Even more telling: nearly half of all off-course golf participants, those using simulators, driving ranges, and putting lounges, are women. The sport is thriving not just on traditional courses but everywhere golf is being played.
Why More Women Are Playing Golf
Several key factors are driving this shift. Increased visibility of professional women golfers, through LPGA broadcasts, social media, and brand sponsorships, has inspired a new generation of players. At the same time, the industry is actively creating more welcoming and flexible entry points. Shorter formats, casual leagues, beginner clinics, and more inclusive environments are making it easier than ever to start playing.
"The growth of the women’s game is real. You see it at events, on social media, and in the energy we get from fans. It's an amazing time to be part of it.” Nelly Korda
More Women. Better Golf. Bigger Impact.
Golf courses and facilities are listening and adapting. From thoughtful tee box placements to updated clubhouses and more relaxed dress codes, the experience is evolving. These aren’t just changes for women; they make the game more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Beyond the facilities themselves, professional-level instruction and programming tailored to different skill levels are also helping more women feel confident entering the game. Golf Canada's Women in Coaching program is actively working to increase female representation in high-performance coaching roles. Launched in 2021, this program selects approximately eight participants annually to receive comprehensive career development, including individualized learning plans, coaching education, and hands-on training.
Additionally, organizations such as the LPGA and PGA of America continue to support and recognize female golf instructors through various programs and accolades, highlighting the growing presence and influence of women in golf instruction across North America.
Tech Is Accelerating Women’s Golf Growth
New technology is making golf more accessible and personalized for women. Apps, swing analysis tools, and virtual coaching are creating easier ways to learn, improve, and stay connected to the game. Indoor golf is also on the rise, opening year-round spaces where women can practice, play, and build community in a welcoming environment.
According to the National Golf Foundation, females now make up 43% of the over 19 million Americans who exclusively play off-course forms of golf, including simulator golf, driving ranges, and putting lounges. As technology continues to shape coaching, competition, and social experiences, it's helping more women thrive in every corner of the game.
How Women’s Professional is Golf Evolving
At the elite level, women’s professional golf is experiencing significant growth. The LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour (LET), and major championships have all made strides in visibility and prize money.
From 2021 to 2024, major championship purses more than doubled, jumping from $23.4 million to $47.8 million. Expanded TV coverage, bigger sponsorship deals, and more fan engagement are elevating the game.
In 2025, the LPGA Tour will offer a record $131 million across 35 events, up from $70 million in 2021. The CME Group Tour Championship alone now boasts an $11 million purse, with a $4 million winner’s check.
Individual majors are also surging. The U.S. Women’s Open hit a $12 million purse in 2024, more than double its 2021 level. The Chevron Championship also more than doubled its prize pool, from $3.1 million to $7.9 million. The LET is following suit, offering over €39 million (≈$42 million USD) across 30 events in 2025.
Women’s Golf Media Coverage Is Growing, and So Is the Opportunity
Media attention around women’s golf is trending upward. In the U.S., coverage of women’s sports grew to 15% of total sports media content in 2022, up from just 4% a few years earlier. Social media, streaming platforms, and fan-driven content are opening new doors for athletes to get the recognition they deserve.
Canada and the UK are also seeing encouraging shifts. While there's still room to grow, the foundation is stronger than ever. With more platforms, more stories, and more fans tuning in, golf has a real opportunity to expand its reach and welcome even more people into the game.
The Rise of Women’s Golf Brands and Sponsorships
Golf gear and apparel are evolving along with the game. Companies like Adidas, Callaway, and Lululemon are expanding women’s golf lines, while emerging brands are designing gear specifically for the modern female golfer. Sponsorship opportunities are also growing, with more companies investing in women’s tours, athletes, and events, creating new pathways for visibility and support.
Growth in Collegiate and Junior Women's Golf
The future of women's golf is not just bright, it's blazing. The surge in young female talent is undeniable, with junior golf participation among girls nearly doubling since 2010. This burgeoning base of skilled players is further amplified by the increasing number of college golf scholarships now awarded to women, creating more pathways for elite development.
Key programs like LPGA/USGA Girls Golf and national junior tours are instrumental in nurturing this growth. They provide young players with the crucial skills, competitive experience at higher levels, and, perhaps most importantly, a clear vision of a future for themselves within the game. This robust pipeline of talent promises an even stronger and more dynamic era for women's golf at all levels.
Women Leading the Business Side of Golf
The burgeoning growth of women's golf isn't confined to participation on the course—it's a dynamic force reshaping the entire business landscape of the women's game. From the visionary leadership of LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is strategically elevating the tour and its opportunities, to the innovative work of countless female executives across sponsorships, media, and equipment, women are seizing pivotal roles that are driving unprecedented expansion.
This increased representation in leadership within the business of women's golf sends a powerful message to younger generations. Across North America and globally, young girls and aspiring professionals are witnessing firsthand that leadership and influence in their game are attainable goals. By seeing women thrive at the highest levels of the sport's business, negotiating major deals, shaping media narratives, and driving strategic growth—young players gain tangible aspirations that extend beyond their performance on the green.
This visibility fosters a belief that they too can lead and shape the future of women's golf, both as players and as influential figures in its thriving business ecosystem. The success and leadership of women off the course are directly contributing to the growth and sustainability of the women's game, creating more opportunities and a brighter future for all involved.
Women are not just playing golf—they're increasingly leading the charge across every facet of the sport. From LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan to trailblazing executives driving innovation, women are stepping into key leadership roles that shape golf’s future.
Across the business world, women are making significant strides in leadership roles within the North American golf industry, with increasing representation in executive positions over the past decade. This growing female leadership is not just elevating golf on a corporate level but also fostering inclusivity and diversity throughout the sport.
The Future of Women's Golf Looks Strong
More women playing golf strengthens the sport across every dimension. It boosts course revenue, fuels innovation in gear and apparel, increases viewership, and inspires new talent. But beyond the numbers, it introduces more voices in leadership, coaching, and mentorship, broadening golf’s future impact.
The surge in female participation is making a measurable impact across the golf industry. From club memberships and lesson bookings to apparel sales and simulator usage, women are fuelling growth in every corner of the game. Their involvement is expanding markets and creating new business opportunities across retail, media, and instruction.
This isn’t just a spike, it’s a shift. The future of golf depends on keeping this momentum going. Programs like She Plays Golf and LPGA Girls Golf are already expanding access and building community. Beyond the numbers, this shift is helping golf evolve. With more women on the course and in leadership roles, the sport is becoming more innovative, community-driven, and future-focused. It’s not just more participation, it’s a smarter, stronger, more connected game.
In business, media, and executive roles, women are driving golf’s evolution, making the sport more accessible, dynamic, and future-focused. Their leadership is setting a new standard for what’s possible, both on and off the course.
Ready to Dive Deeper into Women’s Professional Golf?
Our free guide, Women’s Professional Golf: The LPGA Tour Explained, offers an insider’s look into the world of the LPGA Tour. This comprehensive guide covers everything from tournament formats and player profiles to the history and influence of the tour.
Organizations Supporting Women in Golf (Canada & North America):
Women in Coaching (Golf Canada & PGA of Canada)
Launched in 2021, this program aims to increase female representation in high-performance golf coaching in Canada. Golf Canada - Women in Coaching
She Plays Golf
Golf Canada's dedicated initiative to increase female participation in golf through various programs, festivals, and networking events. Golf Canada - She Plays Golf
Canadian Women Golfers Inc. (CWGI)
An Ottawa-based organization focused on providing resources and opportunities for women to play golf in a fun and social environment. Canadian Women Golfers Inc.
Iron Lady Golf
A Canadian-based community for women to learn, play, and connect through golf, offering events and a supportive environment. Iron Lady Golf
Ladies' Golf Club of Toronto
A unique women's only golf club in North America. Ladies' Golf Club of Toronto
LPGA Foundation
The charitable arm of the LPGA, supporting women and youth through scholarships, junior golf programs and leadership development. LPGA Foundation
NXXT Women's Pro Tour Foundation
An organization focused on empowering women in professional golf through development programs, promoting equality, and community outreach. NXXTPRO Foundation
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