DRIVING PARTICIPATION AND REPRESENTATION: TROON INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS THE RISE OF WOMEN IN GOLF
June 2024 marked the 11th annual Troon Women’s Golf Month, a time when facilities around the globe come together to celebrate and encourage women in golf.
It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about recognizing the incredible women making their mark in the sport. After a fantastic month of events and activities, Troon’s international division took a closer look at their facilities to get a better picture of the current landscape for women in golf.
Here’s what they found…
On The Up
All the Troon International facilities surveyed reported positive trends in female participation.
Impressively, 50% of the facilities reported a more than 10% increase in female participation over the past five years. This growth reflects a broader trend within the sport as more women are taking up golf, driven by the concerted efforts of facilities to create welcoming and inclusive environments.
This trend is further supported by the fact that 100% of the facilities are actively aiming to increase female participation, showcasing a universal commitment to fostering a diverse golfing community.
Ready To Go
The readiness of facilities to support female golfers is a critical factor in driving participation. An overwhelming 85.71% of the facilities feel fully equipped to support women’s’ and girls’ golfers, thanks to targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Programs like LA VIE Club’s Go Ladies Series and collaborations with organizations such as the OGA and R&A have played pivotal roles in this. These initiatives not only provide the necessary resources but also create a supportive network that encourages women to pursue golf with confidence.
Professional Influence
The influence of professional women’s golf cannot be underestimated. A significant 71.43% of the facilities believe that the prominence of women’s professional golf in the media positively impacts local participation.
The visibility of professional female golfers on major platforms serves as both an inspiration and a validation for women considering taking up the sport. Nelly Korda’s historic start to the year has caught headlines globally, and facilities worldwide will be hoping to make the most of inspirational figures like her.
Power Of Role Models
“You need to see it to be it”, so goes the mantra for having visible role models. There’s no doubt that representation and visibility are crucial in encouraging more women to take up golf, and an increasing number of women across the workforce will continue to help inspire the next generation.
This is reflected in the fact that 42.86% of the facilities have female teaching professionals. These professionals not only serve as mentors but also as tangible examples of success within the sport.
The presence of female teaching professionals is a testament to the ongoing efforts to provide role models and mentors, making golf more accessible and appealing to women.
Celebrating Women in Troon International’s Network
Troon International takes pride in celebrating the achievements of women within its network. Melissa Dupuis, Regional Director of Operations for Hawaii and a leader of DEI content initiatives, exemplifies the impact of strong female leadership.
“The rise in participation of women and girls in golf is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our facilities and professionals,” said Dupuis. “We are committed to continuing this growth by providing the necessary support, resources, and inspiration to women of all ages. The future of golf is inclusive, and we are proud to be leading the way.”
Troon International’s commitment to growing women’s participation and employment in golf is setting a standard for the industry.
By leading the charge with innovative programs, supportive environments, and strong role models, Troon facilities are making significant strides – and encourage everyone in the industry to follow suit by putting it high on the agenda.