I have played several courses, some more prestigious than others. At many of these upper-class courses (St Andrews is one that initially comes to mind) there was a strict dress code for playing the course and entering the clubhouse. But, in the modern age of golf, why does it matter? Whilst many of these private members’ clubs believe they have a reputation to uphold, golf is rapidly changing and courses are becoming far more relaxed, growing with the times, and diversifying the game.
Tiger Woods completely changed the sport, bringing diversity into the mix. In a previously a white male-dominated sport, the young golfer took the game by storm, throwing a spanner in the works. As the first black Asian-American to win the Masters in 1997, he popularised golf amongst minorities, attracting younger demographics and bringing an athletic, “cool” appeal to the sport.
It isn’t just Tiger we have to thank; the growth of the LPGA and even YouTube golf has boosted diversity and inclusion, proving that anyone can play. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), a record 28% of all on-course golfers in 2024 were women. The total number of women golfers increased to nearly 8 million, marking the fifth consecutive year that the number of women playing golf has increased. In a once-male-dominated sport, this statistic illustrates the growing inclusivity of the sport.
This signals that the sport may be becoming “cooler”
The LPGA has grown both financially and in terms of participation over the years. The prize purse has risen 90% since 2021, now reaching over $130 million. Gaining extra television coverage will help younger girls and ladies worldwide take up the sport, as it dispels the stereotype of male athletes’ dominance.
It isn’t just on-course that the sport is trying to grow, but we are also seeing changes off-course. Simulator studios with new technology, such as Trackman and TopGolf Range Centre, provide friendly ways to get introduced to the sport without feeling judged. Trackman studios can cost around £20, offering a cheap and fun way to get familiar with the game before getting out onto the course.
Practically every course will have a Head PGA Professional, who will often offer lessons for all skill levels and ages. When picking up golf, it’s important, if possible, that you take some lessons. It’s a great way to ask questions, learn a little about yourself and the sport, all in preparation for getting out on the course.
As someone who works in a pro shop at a golf course, you begin to understand why some people are put off. There are, like every other walk of life, a few people still stuck in their ways. These people may concern themselves with what shoes you wear in the clubhouse, how you’re dressed and how quickly you should play. But they are now the minority.
There is a great group of juniors in many clubs. According to the BBC, golfers aged 18-34 are now the largest segment of on-course golfers. This signals that the sport may be becoming “cooler”, as supported by the rise of professional golfers creating content for social media platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube.
Many clubs around the world are taking positive steps to make the sport more diverse and inclusive. Existing members of your new course will likely offer support when they can, and PGA Professionals will do what they can to grow your game and sort the best equipment. Although there may still be some outdated rules and members still stuck in the past, the sport is absolutely growing in the right direction and doing all that it can to quiet that stigma. So, get out there and get involved.
