How do we get more women playing golf?

Of course, we know that, on its own, The Manor House Women’s Open Day is not enough. That’s why in late April we welcomed a host of female golf journalists and influencers – in association with adidas – to discuss what more needs to be done.

Lauren Prince was joined by fellow influencers Jasmin Crossfield (@golf_fitness_girl) and Bethan Roberts (@bethsgolf), golf videographer Emily Ramage, and journalists Hannah Holden – National Club Golfer’s first female head of content, and Emma Ballard – editor of the UK’s only dedicated women’s golf publication, Women & Golf.

During the two-day event, the group stayed at The Manor House, dined at The Castle Inn, enjoyed a yoga lesson and a walking tour of Castle Combe, and hit the golf course. Attendees also sat down with members of Exclusive Collection’s team and adidas to discuss how we can encourage more women to play golf. Click below to see highlights from the event on Facebook.

(Female) knights of the round table

As I’m sure you can imagine, we spent a long time at the table discussing women and the game of golf. We talked about why women are so outnumbered on the golf course, what we as a club – and all clubs – can do to encourage more women to play the game, and how society can adapt to support women getting into the game.

Below, we’ve listed just a few of the topics that came up. We know we’re unlikely to have every avenue covered in our discussion, so if you’re a female golfer (or perhaps someone who has never picked up the sport because of X, Y or Z), feel free to get in touch with us and highlight any of these – we promise we don’t bite!

Barriers to entry

• When do women pick up the sport? Unless introduced at a young age through family or school, women do not tend to pick up golf until retirement. This is likely due to lack of representation and encouragement to try the sport.
  
  
• How do parents (and often mothers) manage childcare alongside taking up or furthering the sport? This is seen as quite a challenge for some and raises questions on whether children are welcome to clubs and if there's more accessibility of parent and child classes when they're old enough to learn.
  
  
• Women don't always want to go it alone. Safety in numbers is very much a real thing – clubs can be a male-dominated place. Women’s group lessons could be a great way to get more women into the sport.
  
  
• Worrying about what to wear and having the right gear. Having the right clothes to wear and access to all the right equipment can be extremely overwhelming – The Manor House's Pro Shop partner adidas has created a women's golf clothing line that can be worn on and off the course, offering gear that is comfortable, appropriate, and stylish.

Attitudes in golf

• There can be an intimidation around etiquette and learning the rules. This was seen as something perhaps all new golfers face, though being a more male-dominated sport may be felt more by women – everyone in the sport needs to pass on the message to beginners that it is OK to make mistakes.
  
  
• Golf has historically been a place for the ‘old boys club’ to host their business meetings. How do we encourage more women to do the same – what opportunities can clubs provide to female owned business networking? Roll on more corporate women's golf days, networking golf events and open days - the more women in the sport and part of the club, the more opportunity there is to network with likeminded individuals and normalise business for all on the greens.
  
  
• Outdated language can appear in golf – should clubs be calling 'ladies’ tees' just that? This was something The Manor House as a club, adopted early. Calling the once ‘ladies’ tees’, now 'forward tees'. This is an important change for all clubs to make for everyone - strength and power of shots is not limited by gender, giving both women and men choice of which tee is most appropriate for their level of sport is far more empowering to all.

One conversation can lead to change

One conversation will not change everything… but one conversation can lead to change. As we embark on a journey at Exclusive Collection to make golf more accessible for women, we will continue to entertain discussions and conversations with those within the sport guiding us.

Lauren Prince (@guiltyofgolf), whose Instagram page has inspired thousands of female golfers since launching in 2020, said: “As an ambassador for Exclusive Collection, I’m delighted to be at the forefront of how we can help get more women into the game.”

“Growing women’s golf is something I have been passionate about for a long time, so sitting down with likeminded individuals who all share the same vision for the game’s future during the recent trip to The Manor House was truly special.”