Men ‘could boost’ female golf participation

• Women & Golf publishes findings of major survey
• Top reason for women taking up golf is ‘because of partner’
• Male golfers must ‘encourage the women in their life into the game’

In-depth research carried out by leading ladies’ golf magazine Women & Golf has revealed that male golfers could be ‘a key stimulus in increasing female participation’.

The poll, undertaken in conjunction with leading sports research company Sports Marketing Surveys Inc, found that the that the top reason for female golfers initially taking up the game is because of a husband or partner who played.

Even so, the conclusions show that over three-quarters of male golfers who have a wife or partner say that this companion does not play golf.

The full report will be published in the March/April edition of the magazine, on-sale February 6. It will also be available to view on the website, womenandgolf.com

Commenting on the findings, Alison Root, the editor of Women & Golf, said: “This in-depth research clearly demonstrates that the industry must utilise its current male golfers to encourage the women in their life into the game. Clubs must emphasise the inclusive, familial nature of the sport to help it develop and grow female participation.”

“The impending report in Women & Golf will give the golf industry exceptional insight into a much coveted group of consumers.” Richard Payne, SMS Inc.

The report comes from a poll of 3,000 core golfers carried out during the summer and autumn of 2014.

It also provides pivotal insight into the attitude of the male golfer, revealing that over half of men who have sons say that their son(s) play golf, whereas just 12% of men who have daughters say that their daughter(s) play.

Less than half of men with wives or partners who do not currently participate in the game have tried to introduce them to golf, and a similar trend (31%) is evident of men with daughters who do not currently play.

“The impending report in Women & Golf will give the golf industry exceptional insight into a much coveted group of consumers, offering detailed data on their attitudes to the game and how the sport can attract more women,” said Richard Payne, Senior Sports Account Manager of Sports Marketing Surveys Inc.

“SMS INC. emphasised the importance of the ‘three F’s’ – ‘Fun, Flexible, and Family’ – at The Industry Lunch at The Open in Hoylake six months ago, and this research fully supports that vision.”

Women & Golf survey :: your thoughts

What do you make of the findings of the Women & Golf survey into female participation in golf? Do they resonate with your own experiences? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor