Growing Trend: Women Embracing Golf Travel

Golf has long been associated with a specific image: older men in collared shirts and khakis, ready for a day on the green. However, the landscape of golf is changing, with a significant increase in female golfers since 2019. According to the National Golf Foundation, female golfers now make up 28% of on-course players, marking the highest percentage on record.

This rise in female participation has not gone unnoticed in the travel industry. Courses and resorts around the world are seeing a surge in women taking up golf, not just as a casual hobby but as a central part of their travel experiences. Jackie K. Riegle, PGA, director of player development and marketing at Monarch Beach Golf Links, has witnessed this trend firsthand, noting a notable increase in female participation at the resort, particularly in lessons and group events.

Kelsey Ogletree, founder of Pitchcraft and an avid golfer, sees golf as more than just a sport—it’s a fundamental part of her identity. Having played competitively in high school and college, Ogletree now incorporates golf into many of her vacations, planning trips to destinations like Scottsdale, Tucson, and Mexico.

For Ogletree, golf travel is about more than just hitting the links. She and her husband enjoy mixing golf with other activities like dining at new restaurants, relaxing by the pool or beach, and exploring the local area. This lifestyle-centric approach reflects a broader shift in how women are approaching the sport, focusing on the overall experience rather than just the game itself.

Taylor Olson, founder of women’s golf fashion brand Draw & Fade, acknowledges the challenges that women still face in the golfing world, such as outdated gender norms and exclusive spaces like “men’s grills.” Despite these obstacles, Olson sees the increasing presence of women in golf as both exciting and long overdue.

The growing trend of women embracing golf travel is reshaping the sport and the travel industry as a whole. With more women teeing off and building getaways around golf, the future of the game looks diverse, inclusive, and full of exciting possibilities.