Golf is a fantastic sport for girls: social, outdoors, suitable for all abilities and playable for life. Yet in many places, fewer girls play golf than boys, and many drop out in their teenage years. The good news is that with welcoming programmes, friends to play with and supportive coaches, girls can thrive in the game. Here's how to help.
Why girls drop out
- Feeling outnumbered or unwelcome.
- Lack of friends who play.
- Competing priorities in the teenage years.
- Intimidating environments at some clubs.
- Clothing and dress codes that feel uncomfortable.
How to help girls start
- Girls-only clinics and camps: a relaxed, friendly start. Read golf schools and golf camps.
- Bring a friend: sessions where girls can come with friends.
- Fun formats: short courses, games and team events. Read golf games for kids and par-3 and short courses.
- Golf entertainment venues for a social introduction. Read golf entertainment venues.
Coaches and role models
- Female coaches can make girls feel more comfortable.
- Role models: older junior girls and women members.
- Mentoring: pairing new girls with experienced players.
Read choosing a junior golf coach.
Equipment and clothing
- Clubs that fit: the right length and weight. Read the junior golf equipment guide and women's golf clubs.
- Comfortable clothing: practical, stylish golf clothing. Read our women's golf clothing guide.
- Relaxed dress codes for juniors where possible.
Keeping girls in golf
- Social groups: regular girls' sessions and events.
- Team golf: school and club teams. Read high school golf.
- Competitions when ready. Read junior golf competitions.
- Flexibility: allow time for school and other interests.
- Recognition: celebrate progress, not just results.
For clubs
- Run girls-only sessions and events.
- Make facilities welcoming, including changing rooms.
- Involve women members as volunteers and mentors.
- Promote girls' golf in schools and the community.
Read golf for women: getting started and history of women's golf.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get my daughter into golf?
Find a girls' clinic or camp, bring a friend, start with fun formats and choose a welcoming club.
Why do girls drop out of golf?
Often because they lack friends who play, feel outnumbered or have competing priorities.
Are there girls-only golf programmes?
Many clubs and federations run girls-only sessions, camps and events.
Can girls compete with boys in junior golf?
Many junior events have separate divisions, and handicaps allow fair mixed competition.
The bottom line
Girls thrive in golf when they feel welcome, play with friends and have supportive coaches and role models. Offer fun, social starts, equipment and clothing that fit, and a range of ways to play. For more on young golfers, read golf for teenagers.