Women in Leadership: Breaking Through the Clubhouse Ceiling

For generations, the image of golf club leadership has remained largely unchanged —traditional, male-dominated, and often resistant to reform.

But times are shifting.

More women are stepping forward, challenging the status quo, and bringing much-needed diversity to decision-making tables.

And that really matters. It matters because too many golf clubs are still run predominantly by men, for men – often unintentionally, but undeniably.

But when you invite different people to sit at the table, you get different outcomes.

It’s about fresh thinking, broader perspectives, and driving innovation. Championing inclusivity and creating more welcoming environments that benefit everyone.

The game needs that now more than ever.

The Challenge

Despite progress, leadership and governance in golf clubs remain a space where women are underrepresented.

I think that’s in part because, for many women, the pathway into leadership at golf clubs feels unclear. Or worse, uninviting. There’s often a legacy of informal power structures, long-standing committees, and assumptions about ‘how things have always been done.’ Women can feel out of place, underqualified, or unheard.

Add to that the time commitment often expected of committee or board roles — on top of work, family, and, let’s be honest, just wanting to play some golf — and it’s easy to see why many shy away from putting themselves forward.

But change doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when women take up space and bring others along with them.

Backed by the Women in Golf Charter

One initiative helping to drive this cultural shift is The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter. The Charter aims to create a more inclusive culture across the sport, encouraging clubs and organisations to commit to tangible actions that support women’s participation – not just on the course, but in decision-making too.

By signing up, clubs are encouraged to review their governance structures, actively support female volunteers and leaders, and ensure that women are meaningfully represented at every level. But it’s not just about saying the right things. It’s about taking tangible actions and staying accountable.

As I talked about in our Levelling the Fairways series, the Charter is a vital tool in reshaping golf’s future. But to really shift the dial, we need more women ready and supported to step into leadership roles.

Building Confidence and Capability

This is where The R&A’s Women in Golf Leadership Programme comes in. Designed to equip women with the skills, tools and confidence to take on senior roles within the golf industry, the programme has already seen nearly 200 women graduate, further strengthening the leadership pipeline.

The programme covers personal development, strategic thinking, influencing skills and the nuances of leadership in a traditionally male-dominated space. For many, it’s been a springboard to new roles and greater influence within their clubs and governing bodies.

It’s a clear signal: Women are ready to lead — now it’s time to clear the path for them to do so.

What’s Next?

The future of golf depends on diverse leadership. Clubs need to reflect the communities they serve, and that means more women shaping conversations and calling the shots (pun intended).

If you’ve ever thought about stepping into a leadership role, this is your sign. Your voice, your perspective, and your passion for the game matter. Whether it’s chairing a committee or simply starting the conversation at your next club meeting, change starts with us.

Your Success Stories

We love nothing more than shining a big, bright spotlight on the inspiring women already making waves in the golf industry. Women like Anna Darnell, Molly Pavey, Becca Hembrough, Emma Whitlock, and Caroline Hume-Kendall (to name just a few!) … these trailblazers are showing that women not only deserve a seat at the table, but that they bring something vital to it.

And I know there are probably thousands more women who deserve a shout-out. If you know a woman at your club who is breaking through the (clubhouse) glass ceiling, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected].

Read next: Behind the Scenes: The Unpaid Heroes of Golf Clubs >