Golf is a sport of tradition and exclusivity, historically dominated by men. But in recent years, women have been steadily reshaping the game as athletes and business professionals. While the number of women playing golf is growing, so is their presence in the operational and executive tiers of the industry. What was once a narrow fairway for women has become a broader path with more opportunity—but that path still requires more awareness, education, and support to flourish.
A New Generation of Players and Professionals
On the course, women’s golf has never been more competitive or visible. The LPGA continues to grow its global reach, collegiate women’s programs produce elite talent, and more girls pick up clubs at younger ages. Players like Annika Sörenstam and Nelly Korda continue to inspire the next generation of female players. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of female golfers in the U.S. has grown to over 7 million, making up just over 25% of all on-course golfers. Even more impressive, females represent over 40% of beginners.
But the real story lies in what happens after the 18th hole.
Many young women who play collegiate golf naturally wonder what comes next. For a long time, the assumption was that teaching was the only viable career path—becoming a PGA-certified instructor or junior coach. While that remains a noble and rewarding option, it’s far from the only one. Today, women are entering a wide array of roles in the golf industry, from club operations and tournament management to marketing, finance, agronomy, and technology.
“I never played competitive golf. I have found just a great career in an industry that is rewarding and a lot of fun,” says the National Golf Course Owners Association’s Rachel Carter. “It allows me to execute my passion for people and hospitality. I’m encouraged and motivated by the increasing diversity in the industry.”
Organizations like Heritage Golf Group, which owns and operates over 40 golf courses, also support women’s growth in roles throughout their organization.
Eileen Watford, Heritage Golf Group’s Chief Financial Officer, has been in the industry for over 30 years. “Once I started working in the golf industry, I quickly realized how much I loved it,” says Watford. “Working within organizations that own and operate golf and country clubs offers an incredible range of experiences. These businesses span multiple industries—finance and acquisitions, hospitality, retail, food & beverage, agronomy, membership services, racquet sports, pool operations, and lodging. The diversity within the golf industry keeps the work dynamic, engaging, and deeply rewarding.”
The Business of Golf: A Landscape of Opportunity
The golf industry is vast. It includes private clubs, resorts, municipal courses, governing bodies, associations, equipment manufacturers, media companies, and more. Within these organizations, roles range from event planning and merchandising to human resources, digital marketing, and executive leadership.
At private clubs, more women are stepping into general manager and director of golf positions—roles historically dominated by men. These positions oversee everything from membership services and budgeting to food and beverage and staff leadership. “I can count on two hands the women I know in golf course leadership roles in Florida,” says Kaitlyn Hogan, Director of Golf at TPC Prestancia, a course owned by Heritage Golf Group. “So there’s still a long way to go.”
Building the Pipeline: From Campus to Career
Despite this progress, a critical need remains to build a more robust pipeline of women into golf careers. Many college golfers don’t realize the breadth of opportunity available to them. Industry insiders say that’s because of a lack of exposure and education. Most athletic departments focus on performance, not post-graduate career preparation—especially in niche industries like golf.
“I was recruited to be on the Ferris State University team, but hadn’t thought to pursue golf as a profession,” Hogan says. “I considered going into law because you get to play with your clients. It happened to be that Ferris State was the founding school for professional golf management. I ended up changing my track after my freshman year as I realized I had a passion for the business.”
Organizations like the PGA of America, LPGA, and Golf Course Superintendents Association are expanding their outreach and scholarship programs. Internships, mentorships, and professional development initiatives are helping young women see what’s possible beyond the tee box.
For instance, the LPGA’s Girls Golf program has introduced over 500,000 girls to the game in the last decade. Beyond play, the program emphasizes leadership and career exploration. The PGA WORKS Fellowship, meanwhile, offers recent college grads from diverse backgrounds a one-year paid opportunity to work within PGA Sections and gain hands-on experience in golf administration.
The Road Ahead
The game is growing more inclusive, more diverse, and more dynamic. “At our club, we have seen an increase in women members and I have to stop myself from assuming the man is the primary golfer.” says Hogan about gender stereotypes “It’s no different that when I’d initially walk up to a member, they thought I was taking their beverage order.”
The next generation of women in golf will not only compete—they’ll lead, manage, innovate, and shape the sport from the inside out. “The opportunities are there if you seek them out and hone your skills in the segment of the industry that excites you—whether that’s in the back office, club management, instruction, or beyond.” says Watford “The golf industry is rich with possibilities, and it’s an incredibly rewarding field to be part of.”
As more women tee off on their career journeys in golf, the industry itself stands to benefit—from fresh ideas, stronger culture, and a workforce that truly reflects the future of the game.
