It’s fair to say that women have never had it easy when it comes to golf, sometimes before they’ve even hit a ball. There are all sorts of things that we come up against that men wouldn’t even notice. It’s often not because they don’t care, (although some don’t!) but they are not affected at all or not as much by golf lesson phobia, clubhouse politics, casual sexism, first tee nerves, lack of on-course facilities, menstrual mood swings, fashion dilemmas, the list goes on…
One thing that really annoys me is forward tee placements, which of course are traditionally known as the ladies’ tees. I’ve played countless courses where you stand on the back tees, admire the hole, and then you walk to the forward tee, only to find that it feels like a complete afterthought, plonked way over to one side, it’s usually a much smaller tee box, and the hole is less visually appealing. This is because many of the established golf courses have been designed by men for men.
That’s my main gripe when it comes to course set-up for women, but Katie Dawkins wrote this piece for Golf Monthly with several points that might get you nodding in agreement. One is about having to hit a driver on a par-3, which is something I don’t like having to do, it doesn’t feel quite right and it also makes me feel inadequate.
If you watched the pros at last week’s US Open, even they weren’t keen on the thought of having to perhaps hit driver on the par-3 8th at Oakmont. As Katie says, par-3s should be a challenge of skill, such as the 7th hole at Pebble Beach or the 8th hole ‘Postage Stamp’ at Royal Troon to name but a few. You should also read Katie’s piece to watch the embedded video, which sums up beautifully how women are seen and treated at many golf clubs – it’s hilarious!
Talking of the US Open, I was too tired to stay up and watch the climax of this men’s Major, but when I woke up on Monday morning, I was surprised, but pleased to see that JJ Spaun had managed to win, as he had fallen away when I went to bed. I was also happy that Cameron Young claimed 4th spot, as he earned me a few pounds!
Now it’s the women’s turn again, as the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship begins tomorrow at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in Texas, which is a first-time venue for the world’s best female golfers. In 2024 Nelly Korda had already won six times prior to this championship, but with winners from seven different countries so far this year on the LPGA Tour, it could be anyone’s title. I’m determined to stay awake for this one.
Happy golfing in the sunshine!
Alison Root
Women's Editor Golf Monthly
