The sport of business networking, the gentleman’s game… These names show how people look at golf. To keep it straightforward – the game, surprisingly, carries a ‘male-dominated’ essence. However, it doesn’t have to be like this. Did you know the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is way older than the PGA Tour (by nearly 20 years, to be specific)? Then, why this discrimination against women on the course? Isn’t there any movement going on to break this stereotype? Let’s find out. 

The Historic Woman in Golf

Do you know who was the first recorded female to play golf? It was Mary – Queen of Scots. She dominated Scotland for 1542-1567. During her reign, the famous St . Andrews Links was constructed. In fact, Mary started the eventual normalization of women’s golf, and the term ‘caddy’ that you utter every now and then was created by her. 

She took it from the word ‘cadets,’ and that’s how she described her assistance. But the story wasn’t as straightforward as you may think. Mary’s regular participation in golf cast some doubt about her character. Her husband, Lord Darnley, was killed in 1567, and just a few months later, Mary married the Earl of Bothwell. He was the prime suspect in her ex-husband’s murder. 

In the trial, it came out that the queen was actively involved in plotting the assassination. The evidence was, however, surprising enough – it’s just the statements of some eyewitnesses who said Mary started playing golf within a few days of her husband’s demise. 

These events led to something truly pathetic – Mary got beheaded in 1587. Then, it took almost 250 years to record the first-ever women’s golf tournament. 

The Race Was On

After Mary, women’s golf was normalized by the end of the 19th century. At that time, Issete Miller was ruling the course. She invented the first fold handicapping system. It is still used today to help amateur golfers to level up their game. After Miller, Helen Hicks made headlines by the 1930s. She was the first professional golfer in the women’s game to sign up for a sporting brand, Wilson-Western. 

Hicks won two major tournaments – the 1937 Women’s Western Open and the 1940 Titleholder’s Championship. Another legendary name in women’s golf is Babe Zaharias. She was denied amateur status in the women’s game. In response to that, she kept on competing in the 1938 LA Open. It was a men’s professional tournament. She couldn’t make the cut after the first two rounds, but she still created history as the first woman to attain a PGA event. In fact, she remained the only woman to do so until 2023. Zaharias won a total of 82 amateur and professional titles. 

Shattering Glass Ceilings 

So what if the number one ranked golf course in the United States, Pine Valley, denied to allow female members until May 2021? The ladies force didn’t agree to give up. They kept on making headlines, breaking records, and giving their male counterparts a run for their money. And trust me, it’s not just because they look good in plaid.

Take Lydia Ko, for instance. This Kiwi sensation became world No. 1 at the ripe old age of 17. That’s right, while most of us were struggling with algebra, she was dominating professional golf. 

But Ko’s not the only head-turner. Jin Young Ko held the No. 1 spot for a whopping 159 consecutive weeks.

Show Me the Money

Don’t take women’s golf as a cute sideshow. The prize money in women’s tournaments is skyrocketing fast. 

In 2022, the U.S. Women’s Open set a new record with a $10 million purse. That’s a far cry from the measly $5,000 total purse in the first LPGA season back in 1950. Inflation? Maybe. But we like to call it progress.

And it’s not just about the tournaments. Endorsement deals for top female golfers are reaching astronomical figures. Nelly Korda, America’s golf sweetheart, reportedly signed a multi-million dollar deal with Nike. Who said you can’t swing in style?

Crushing Down the Walls

Well – it’s not a fairytale packed with sweet endings and glamorous deals. Contemporary women golfers have seemingly taken the oath of breaking down walls that have stood for centuries. For instance, Augusta National was a bastion of male exclusivity. However, it finally allowed female members in 2012. 

In 2019, it launched the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. And there are more! The R&A (that’s the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) followed suit in 2014. It ended 260 years of male-only membership. 

The Rising Stars

There’s a new generation of golfing icons, and they’re rocking ponytails and breaking par. Here are just a few names you need to know:

Nelly Korda: This American player became World No. 1 in 2021 and snagged Olympic gold in Tokyo. 

Brooke Henderson: Canada’s golden girl became the youngest ever to win the Women’s PGA Championship. 

Atthaya Thitikul: This Thai prodigy turned pro at 14 and has been breaking records ever since. 

These young girls are changing the face of golf. They have grown to be athletes, influencers, and role models. Height of versatility, isn’t it?

Social Media Swing

The contemporary women golfers’ charisma is not confined to the fairways. They have blown Instagram away with fantastic golf and behind-the-scenes content. For instance, Paige Spiranac has millions of followers. Her mix of golf tips, fitness routines, and glamour shots has brought a whole new audience to the sport.

But it’s not all about looks. Many female pros use their platforms to advocate for equality in sports, inspire young girls, and show the behind-the-scenes grind of professional golf. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s changing the way we view the sport.

From Tee to Green

The rise of women’s golf is trickling down to every level of the game. Golf clubs around the world are seeing a surge in female members, and girls’ junior programs are booming.

Initiatives like LPGA*USGA Girls Golf are introducing the sport to young girls in fun, non-intimidating environments. They are developing confidence, making friends, and realizing that they belong on the course just as much as any boy.

Women’s leagues and tournaments are popping up everywhere, from local municipal courses to swanky country clubs. It turns out golf is a pretty great way to network, de-stress, and get some exercise. Who knew?

The Future Is Female 

So, what’s next for women’s golf? If current trends continue, we’re looking at a future where:

• Prize money in women’s tournaments matches or exceeds men’s
• Mixed-gender professional tournaments have become the norm, not the exception
• A woman wins a men’s PGA Tour event (hey, it could happen!)
• Golf has become one of the top sports for girls and women worldwide

Fore-ward Thinking

Women’s golf is changing the game for good. Call it breaking records or breaking stereotypes; golf girls are taking the game away from the men’s territory. The game is on, the future is female, and it’s bright.