In 2003, a group of female golfers known as the Masters ’23 made history when they protested the lack of female representation at the Masters Tournament. The protest was a powerful statement that highlighted the lack of progress for women in the sport of golf and beyond. Fast forward two decades later and it’s clear that the Masters ’23 protest had a lasting impact on the world of golf and beyond.
Since the protest, there has been a steady increase in the number of female golfers competing at the professional level. The LPGA Tour, which was founded in 1950, has seen a steady increase in female participation over the last 20 years. In 2003, there were only 16 tournaments on the LPGA Tour; today, there are 34 tournaments on the tour. This increase in tournaments has allowed more female golfers to compete and make a living playing professional golf.
In addition to an increase in professional tournaments, there has also been an increase in the number of female golfers at the amateur level. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of female golfers in the United States has increased from 8.6 million in 2003 to 11.5 million in 2020. This increase in participation has been driven by a variety of factors, including increased access to courses, more affordable equipment, and a greater awareness of the sport among women.
The progress that has been made for women in golf over the last two decades is encouraging, but there is still much work to be done. Women are still underrepresented in golf leadership roles and there is still a gender pay gap in professional golf. In addition, there is still a lack of access to golf courses and resources for many women, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.
Looking ahead, it is important that we continue to push for progress for women in golf and beyond. We must continue to advocate for gender equality in all aspects of the sport and ensure that women have access to the same opportunities as men. We must also continue to support initiatives that provide access to courses and resources for all women, regardless of their background or income level.
The progress that has been made for women in golf over the last two decades is encouraging and inspiring. As we look ahead to the next two decades, let us continue to build on this progress and ensure that all women have access to the same opportunities as men. With continued advocacy and support, we can create a more equitable future for all women in golf and beyond.
