Golf has long been seen as a male-dominated sport, a “boys club” not welcoming to women. But pioneering female athletes and advocates have spent decades breaking down barriers to women’s participation and achievement in golf. Though women still face challenges, their trailblazing efforts have opened doors for the new generation of female golfers rising through the amateur and professional ranks today.
The Exclusionary Past
For much of its history, golf actively excluded women from playing. Scotland’s Royal Burgess Golfing Society declared women to be “a diverson from the game”, and the prestigious Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews refused to admit female members until 2014. In the United States, renowned clubs like Augusta National maintained men-only membership policies into the 1990s. Advocates had to fight just for women’s right to play the game at all.
Slowly, options emerged for women. The first ladies golf clubs were formed in the late 19th century, though women were still barred from top tournaments. At the dawn of the 20th century, trailblazers like Margaret and Frances Steuart broke new ground by competing against men in events like the British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. But it was an uphill battle against social norms and policy barriers.
Pioneers of Women’s Pro Golf
The founding of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in 1950 marked a major milestone. 13 female golfers spearheaded by Patty Berg came together to form the first organized tour for women’s golf in the US. Berg herself claimed a staggering 60 LPGA tour wins in her career.
In 1953, Babe Zaharias became the first woman to contend at a PGA tour event, the Los Angeles Open. Though she didn’t make the cut, her participation was historic. “She probably did more for women’s golf than any single person has done,” said fellow tour player Betty Jameson.
The 1960s saw the emergence of trailblazers who would come to dominate women’s golf. Stars like Mickey Wright, Kathy Whitworth and Sandra Haynie brought skill and energy that drove interest in the women’s game. Whitworth set records with 88 LPGA wins, and Wright is still considered one of the greatest to ever play.
Breaking Barriers
By the 1970s, pioneers were actively tearing down barriers to women’s participation at all levels of golf. In 1973, Mary Bea Porter became the first female broadcaster covering a PGA tour event. Women successfully sued country clubs for equal access in court cases like Isbister v. Boys Club of Santa Cruz (1981).
In 1977, Nancy Lopez exploded onto the LPGA scene at just 20 years old, winning nine tournaments as a rookie including five consecutive events. She became a rockstar who introduced golf to a new generation of young fans.
More barriers fell in the 1990s. Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb emerged as global superstars, while Suzy Whaley became the first woman to qualify for a PGA event in 50 years. Augusta National admitted its first female members in 2012, opening the doors to one of golf’s most prestigious clubs.
The New Wave
Thanks to those who came before, today’s young female golfers are rising to new heights. Nelly Korda, Moriya Jutanugarn, Ariya Jutanugarn and others make up golf’s new wave ready to dominate the LPGA.
Amateur teenagers like 16-year-old Zoe Campos are also breaking out, with Campos shooting a 67 at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur. At the grassroots level, organizations like the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program work to engage young girls. 42% of beginner GolfTEC lessons now go to women.
There’s still room for progress in pay equity and sponsorship deals. But from grassroots to the pros, it’s clear women are swinging strong in golf today. And it’s thanks to those who spent decades chipping away at barriers to get here. The pioneers of women’s golf set the stage for today’s stars to shine.
Key Events in the History of Women’s Golf
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1867 | First known women’s golf tournament held at Musselburgh Golf Club in Scotland |
| 1893 | Chicago Golf Club establishes first ladies’ golf committee in the US |
| 1898 | Women formally banned from membership at The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews |
| 1900 | Margaret & Frances Steuart participate against men in British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship |
| 1916 | The PGA of America is formed, barring women from membership |
| 1932 | Glenna Collett Vare wins her 6th US Women’s Amateur, a record at the time |
| 1946 | The Women’s Professional Golf Association is formed |
| 1950 | LPGA is founded by 13 founding members |
| 1955 | Patty Berg sets record of 60 career wins on the LPGA Tour |
| 1961 | Mickey Wright wins LPGA Championship, starting a run of 82 wins in her career |
| 1973 | Mary Bea Porter becomes first female broadcaster covering PGA Tour event |
| 1977 | Nancy Lopez named LPGA Rookie of the Year after winning 9 tournaments |
| 1995 | Annika Sorenstam earns LPGA Rookie of the Year honors |
| 2012 | Augusta National Golf Club admits first female members |
| 2014 | The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews votes to admit female members |
| 2017 | Sung Hyun Park named LPGA Rookie of the Year, the first since Nancy Lopez |
In summary, this article reviewed the history of pioneering women in golf who opened doors for future generations. In golf’s early days, women were excluded from top clubs and tournaments. But trailblazers like Patty Berg, Mickey Wright and Nancy Lopez built up professional women’s golf starting in the 1950s. Court cases and policy changes broke down barriers at clubs and events over time. Today, young stars like Nelly Korda and Ariya Jutanugarn are achieving new heights thanks to those who laid the groundwork. Though challenges remain, women have come a long way in golf from its exclusionary past. Key milestones and figures were highlighted along the journey. Women’s golf continues to build momentum, and the future looks bright for rising talent to carry the legacy forward.