Women have played golf for centuries, but for much of that time they faced restrictions on where, when and how they could play. Their story is one of determination: from putting greens set aside for "ladies" to national championships, professional tours and, today, a game working to become fully inclusive. Here's a short history.
Early players
Historical records suggest women played golf in Scotland centuries ago, and there are accounts of women's competitions in the early 19th century. However, golf was dominated by men's clubs, and women's participation was rarely documented.
The 19th century: putting courses and the first women's clubs
As golf grew in the 19th century, women were often encouraged to play on short putting courses, partly because long swings were considered inappropriate in the restrictive clothing of the time. One of the first women's golf clubs, founded in Scotland in the 1860s, was a putting club. Read history of golf fashion.
Women's clubs soon appeared in other parts of Britain, Ireland and the USA, often attached to men's clubs, with limited access to the main course.
National championships
In the 1890s, national women's amateur championships were established in Britain and the USA. These events helped raise the profile of women's golf and gave talented players a stage.
The 20th century
- Clothing became less restrictive, allowing fuller swings.
- More women's clubs and sections were formed.
- International team competitions between nations began.
- Professional golf for women developed, and a women's professional tour was founded in the USA in 1950, followed by tours in other parts of the world.
Restrictions and change
For much of the 20th century, many clubs restricted women's membership, voting rights, tee times and access to clubhouse areas. Over recent decades, many clubs have moved to equal membership, and some long-standing single-sex clubs have changed their rules. Read how golf clubs are run.
Women's golf today
- Professional golf for women is played around the world, with growing prize money and media coverage.
- Initiatives encourage women and girls to take up golf. Read girls' golf.
- Equipment and clothing designed for women have improved greatly. Read women's golf clubs and our women's golf clothing guide.
- Welcoming clubs with women's sections, beginners' groups and flexible memberships.
Read golf for women: getting started.
Frequently asked questions
When did women start playing golf?
Women have played golf for centuries, with records of women's competitions in Scotland in the early 1800s.
Why did women play on putting courses?
In the 19th century, long swings were considered unladylike, and restrictive clothing made full swings difficult.
When was the first women's golf club founded?
One of the first women's clubs was founded in Scotland in the 1860s.
Is golf more welcoming to women today?
Much more so, though progress continues. Many clubs now have equal membership and women's programmes.
The bottom line
Women's golf has grown from putting greens and restricted tee times to championships, professional tours and a game increasingly open to all. Its history is a story of persistence, and its future is bright. For more golf history, read the history of golf.