Thriving against the odds: The unstoppable rise of women’s golf

As my four years as Editor of Women & Golf come to an end, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the current state of the women’s game, from club to elite level.

When I thought about what to write in this final opinion piece, one thing kept coming to mind: women’s golf is in a good place. You could even say it’s thriving – against all the odds.

I say “against the odds” because, at every level, there are barriers and challenges that should have held the women’s game back. And yet, here we are.

Golf has been notoriously slow to change. If you’ve followed my writing, you’ll know I’ve often highlighted the lack of media coverage and questioned whether club-level attitudes have really shifted in the last 20 years. The reality is, there’s still a long way to go. But despite this, women’s golf continues to push forward in remarkable ways.

The elite game: Growth and gaps

At the professional level, the last four years have seen undeniable progress. The LPGA, LET, and their Major Championships have grown significantly, with Major prize funds increasing by 104% from 2021 to 2024 – from $23.4 million to $47.8 million. More prize money, more television coverage – these are signs that female athletes are finally getting greater recognition.

But let’s be clear: the gap between men’s and women’s golf in financial backing and visibility remains vast. In the UK, women’s sport accounted for just 2% of print coverage in 2024. Imagine how much bigger the women’s game could be if these athletes received the attention and support they truly deserve.

The recreational game: Booming numbers, persistent challenges

At grassroots level, the number of women taking up golf, whether on the driving range or the course, has been impressive. In America, women and girls are the fastest-growing segment of new golfers. Closer to home, the launch of The R&A Women in Golf Charter in 2018 has encouraged more clubs to recruit female members.

By sheer participation numbers, the women’s game is thriving. And yet, retention remains a major issue. Women still make up only around 13% of club members in the UK. Why? Because barriers remain. Outdated membership structures, the time commitment of an 18-hole round, and club culture can all make it difficult for women to feel truly welcome.

Our Levelling the Fairways series highlighted that, in many ways, female club golfers are still at a disadvantage. And yet, they continue to show up.

The real driving force: Women themselves

Perhaps the biggest success story of the last four years isn’t an increase in prize money or participation – it’s the resilience of female golfers. They’ve built communities, fought for inclusion, and proven that the demand for women’s golf is real.

The question now is whether the golf industry will step up and fully support this momentum. Investment is needed – not just in prize funds, but in truly understanding the female golf market (something Women & Golf can certainly help with). Too many in the industry still don’t have a clue, and that needs to change.

Women’s golf isn’t a trend or a passing phase. We’re here to stay. We’re changing the game at every level. Progress has come, and no matter what barriers remain, we’ll continue to thrive – despite the odds.

Thank you for your continued support of my writing over the last four years. Emma x