Emma Briggs: Author of Dogs and Women Allowed reflects on women in golf

Emma Briggs, author of the satirical golf novel Dogs and Women Allowed, combines her love for storytelling with her deep-rooted connection to golf. The book, which challenges the longstanding cultural norms of the sport, is as much a tribute to her late father as it is an exploration of sexism in golf.

A family legacy in golf

Briggs’ connection to golf is steeped in her family history. Her father, a former golf journalist for Golf Illustrated, introduced her to the sport in the 1980s. While her father encouraged athletic pursuits, he initially discouraged golf, deeming it too individualistic for children. However, a new course near their home in the Netherlands piqued her interest, sparking a lifelong relationship with the game.

"My grandparents were golfers too, though for my grandmother, golf came much later," Briggs recalls. "In the 'good old days,' women didn’t play; they were more involved in the social aspect of the clubs. Yet, she started in her 60s, and by her 70s, she became Lady Captain."

Despite these influences, golf was not a central part of Briggs’ life until adulthood. After a hiatus, she returned to the sport 12 years ago with her husband, rediscovering her passion. "It amazed me that, despite some progress, sexism in golf remained pervasive, especially in British and Anglo-Saxon golf cultures," she observes.

The motivation behind Dogs and Women Allowed

Briggs’ experiences with golf, coupled with the enduring gender dynamics of the sport, inspired her to write Dogs and Women Allowed. "Golf is inherently inclusive, anyone can play, but its culture is often not. That paradox fascinated me," she explains.

Her father’s humour also shaped the book. "Some characters in the book, like Prudence Love and the Hackketts, are inspired by my Dad’s short stories. Writing this was also a homage to him," Briggs shares. "He passed away at 56, and I’ve now outlived him. This felt like a way to connect with him again."

The novel, written with wit and self-reflection, tackles misogyny without casting blame. "I wanted to reflect, not judge. Why do women face dismissive attitudes on the first tee? Why is our role in the sport still questioned? These questions don’t have easy answers, but they need to be asked."

Women’s place in golf today

Briggs is candid about the broader challenges facing women in golf. "Why is it that men pick up their clubs without hesitation while women often feel burdened by responsibilities? It’s a cultural issue, not just a personal one," she says.

One particularly stark example she cites is the disparity in how male and female professional golfers are portrayed. "I Googled ‘professional women golfers in bathing suits’ and got thousands of hits. But ‘professional men golfers in swimming trunks’? Nothing. Why are female golfers still seen through this lens?"

While Briggs acknowledges that some strides have been made, such as mixed competitions in the Netherlands, she believes systemic sexism remains. "We still have work to do, but I think women need to be part of the solution. Let’s prove ourselves on the course – hit straight, putt well, and show our love for the game."

A story that resonates

Since its release, Dogs and Women Allowed has been well received for its humour and thought-provoking narrative. "Readers have told me they chuckled, which is what I wanted. And they loved the characters – especially the twins (Birdie and Bogey Banger), even though they’re not actual twins!" Briggs laughs.

The novel’s ending, which focuses on doing the right thing rather than clinging to the rulebook, underscores her vision for golf. "The women in my book ultimately choose integrity over technicalities. That’s what makes them true winners in my eyes."

Looking ahead

While Briggs hasn’t ruled out a sequel, for now, she’s content with the conversations her book has sparked. "I hope it inspires readers, both men and women, to reflect on their attitudes and behaviours in golf and beyond," she says.

With Dogs and Women Allowed, Emma Briggs has written more than a novel; she’s issued a call for change, all while celebrating the sport she loves. As she puts it: "Golf is wonderful. It just needs to evolve, and we all have a role to play in that."

Editor Emma will be posting her review of the book shortly, but in the meantime, if you would like to purchase the book head to Amazon - paperback £14.99