Levelling the Fairways: No on-course toilets a load of s**t

One of the most surprising yet critical findings from our Levelling the Fairways survey is the significant impact a lack of on-course toilets has on female participation in golf.

While the topic may seem trivial at first, it’s a practical issue that undoubtedly affects the enjoyment, comfort, and accessibility of the game for women and girls. And addressing this simple facility gap could be a key step in boosting female engagement and creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Not just a female issue (but mainly)

I realise the shortage of on-course toilets isn’t just an issue for women. I’m sure it impacts men too. But let’s be honest, it’s far harder for us to pee behind a tree.

Add to that the fact that weak bladders, urine incontinence and IBS are all issues that more commonly affect women than men thanks to hormones, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and all that fun stuff, I feel fairly confident in saying that a lack of loos has a bigger bearing on females’ enjoyment of golf.

Particularly, I think, for girls and younger women.

I’d love to do more research into this, but I feel really strongly that a lack of on-course toilets must also be a huge detractor to pre-teen and teenage girls playing and staying in golf.

If I think back to getting my period, there’s no way I would have risked going out on the golf course. I can also remember multiple tournaments in my teenage years where my friends pulled out because they were on their period. I didn’t give it much thought then, that’s just the way it was. But now it feels crazy, especially as it’s a relatively easy fix.

Inclusion not convenience

This isn't just about convenience; it's about inclusion. Golf is a sport that can and should be played by everyone. Yet something as simple as a lack of proper amenities can create an unnecessary barrier.

In almost any other setting, you wouldn’t dream of asking someone to go four, maybe five, hours without going to the toilet.

But in golf, it’s become part of the culture and something we just accept.

I’ve got so used to sneaking off to the trees or hiding behind an umbrella to pee that I’ve never stopped to question how ludicrous it actually is. And how detrimental it must be on female participation.

Facilities matter for growing participation

Many venues focus on pristine fairways, challenging bunkers, and state-of-the-art clubhouses, but neglect something as basic as accessible restrooms on the course.

For male golfers, the lack of facilities might not always be an issue, but for women, it can significantly impact their experience.

I’m not saying for a second that clubs shouldn’t invest in the course or other facilities. But dotting a few toilets off the fairways could be just as important in helping to drive women’s participation. It may not be the first thing clubs think of, but it's an essential step towards creating an inclusive, player-friendly environment.

A business case for toilets

Women are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the sport, and ensuring they feel comfortable on the course isn’t just about fairness — it’s good for business.

Player comfort translates to player retention; if women feel more comfortable on the golf course, they’ll keep coming back to play. It really is that simple.

But beyond comfort, there's also the issue of accessibility. Golf courses lacking basic facilities support the message (albeit probably inadvertently) that the game only caters to a certain group of players.

Inclusivity by design

If golf courses are serious about attracting more women, installing accessible, clean, and well-maintained toilets around the course should be a priority. This doesn’t have to involve a massive infrastructure overhaul; portable facilities can be a temporary solution for many clubs.

It also speaks to the importance of having women in decision-making roles at golf clubs. I’m sure men haven’t deliberately overlooked the need for toilets, but it’s simply not something they often think about because it doesn’t impact them in the same way.

And then there’s the small matter of getting access to the toilet code when you check in — something I’ve had to chase down more than once!

Liked this one? Read more from our Levelling the Fairways series, like this: Levelling the Fairways: Six solutions to driving inclusivity in golf >