Golf seems to have more rules than almost any other sport, and that isn't just limited to playing the game correctly out on the course. Beyond the official rulebook, there’s a second layer governing how golf clubs operate. These are the unwritten rules, the ones clubs and their members follow out of subconscious habit, usually because "it’s always been done that way!"
When it comes to women's golf in particular, those unwritten, traditional rules can do the damage. The good news is that we’ve got more women showing an interest in the game than ever before, and potentially wanting to be part of club life, but the unwritten rules and traditional mindsets can create barriers right from the start, putting women off before they even get through the door, let alone stick around. In this article, PGA Pro Katie Dawkins calls out her top seven outdated norms, and a few of her points especially stood out to me.
The All-or-Nothing Membership Pressure
First, the immediate push toward full membership. I get why clubs are desperate to recruit new members, especially in women's sections that have dwindled due to an ageing demographic, but expecting a beginner straight out of a few lessons to jump into full club life is completely unrealistic.
It’s a sink-or-swim setup that turns people away before they ever get comfortable. Beginners need a clear, stepping-stone pathway from lessons to social golf and flexible options, rather than an expensive, all-or-nothing demand to join traditional club life immediately.
Rethinking the Traditional Ladies' Section
Second, there’s this assumption that joining a club means you have to slot into the traditional ladies' section. Joining shouldn't mean immediate medal play, handicap pressure, or competitive rounds every week, and that doesn't just apply to new members either!
A golfer might simply want to play 9 holes with friends, practice socially with her partner, or bring another beginner along without keeping score. Plus, boxing people into categories misses the magic of mixed golf - men, women, seniors, and juniors all playing together and learning from one another.
Don't get me wrong, no one is suggesting we strip away tee times, traditions, or fun from our long-standing, mature members. I might not be out there on a Tuesday morning, but I'm in that bracket myself! It’s just about building forward-thinking clubs that have room for everyone.
Moving Beyond Gendered Equipment and Tees
Finally, Katie’s points on gear and tee selection highlight how much assumptions hold players back. The idea that women automatically belong on the forward tees or should buy off-the-shelf starter sets with ladies’ flex shafts is outdated. Equipment choices and tee placements should be based on an individual's swing speed, power, and physical build, not their gender.
Building Flexible, Welcoming Clubs for the Future
It’s encouraging to see some clubs already getting this right and adapting for the future. For the rest, it’s simply a reminder that keeping golfers around comes down to making the game flexible and welcoming for modern life.
