Golf, like gardening, was one of the outdoor pursuits that benefitted during the pandemic as people sought ways to stave off boredom while staying fit, meaning more women also took up the sport.
But it’s not just covid that’s encouraging the shift, the success of Lydia Ko has inspired a glut of girls to give golf a go, with some clubs reporting a three-fold increase in female membership.
“There’s most definitely more women taking up the sport, and across all age categories which has been incredible,” says Susan Farron, a fully qualified NZPGA professional, and one of the country’s top golf coaches with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry. “Women now view golf as a healthy challenge. A good time filler and a great way to connect socially. Instead of a two-hour lunch, nine holes on the golf course is seen as a great way to catch up. I love seeing girl friends learning together, and mothers and daughters golfing together too.”
One such woman is my dear mom who was a latecomer to the game, taking up golf in her 60s and since becoming well and truly hooked – she’s even bagged herself a few cups along the way (one of which she won by accident without even realising she was playing in a competition, but don’t tell her I told you).
“Gone are the days when people assume that golf’s for the rich and privileged,” she tells me. “People of all ages and from different walks of life are getting involved, and it can also be family orientated. It’s an extremely sociable game that can be played for life.”
The social aspect seems to among the sport’s biggest draws.
“I discovered golf because I had a lot of free time after my grandson went off to school and I didn’t have to collect him,” admits Bernie Brown, another keen hobbyist. “I particularly enjoy the 19th hole on a nice summer afternoon! I think women who play golf can be divided into two categories: those who are very competitive, and those like me, who have signed up as much or for the social side and the fresh air and exercise as much as they have for the golf.”
As for those who are more competitive, Susan says that women can often be harder on themselves than the men: “Golf is a sport and game that requires time and thinking. One’s own thoughts can play more havoc than the actual hitting of the golf ball. If you want to be a great golfer, you must be prepared to get there slowly and over time – with effort, the rewards will come.”
It will also help develop an arsenal of mental and physical skills.
“Golf requires balance, flow, and a good awareness of body and mind,” Susan continues. “And it pays to have a good imagination to putt and chip. You need to invest in the time to learn the challenging hand position and the tension levels of the body. It’s great to feel the power, how the body can twist and coil and rotate to send that little ball out far and long. It’s one of the most satisfying feelings.”
“Women now view golf as a healthy challenge. A good time filler and a great way to connect socially.”
Programmes such as She Loves Golf which runs events at clubs and driving ranges around the country have been very successful in encouraging more women out onto the fairways and greens.
“Nine-hole golf has been around for many years but has become a far more attractive alternative to 18 holes,” says Susan. “Nine holes take less time, helping women better juggle work and homelife commitments.”
The golf pro warns that we should not take mobility and balance for granted. She has witnessed “incredible joy” from people with all sorts of challenges and conditions including dementia, autism, and ADHD: “I’ve seen people with bad backs, hip and knee replacements, and missing limbs. Whether it be walking a few holes to putting and chipping or using the driving range to swing and move the body, golf really is for all to have a go!”
“It may be a little costly at first, but it can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it,” advises my mother. “I’d certainly recommend it to all as a way of both keeping fit and socialising. Plus, I know that while I’m on the golf course breathing in all that fresh air, I’m not walking around the shops spending my money!”
You might even (accidentally) win a trophy.
