Why golf is empowering women

Back in 2012, Leslie Andrews wrote an intriguing piece on Forbes about how women who play golf are largely successful in the corporate world. The feature highlighted that apart from the actual skill of playing, there’s an underlying theme, an understanding among peers that can make or break certain business decisions.

As most of us know by now, golf has been an established sport where some of the greatest business minds grow their networks and professional relations. Additionally, it’s an appropriate avenue where major deals can be closed in just a hole or two. But behind these curtains sit the belief that women are often left out of the conversation and, obviously, the financial aspects of this venture.

There’s this notion that the sport is an exclusive, clubby men’s game. These days, however, many women are becoming more and more confident, strong, and independent, in such a way that they know what they want and how to achieve it. Some of them even take it up a notch and take tips and lessons from seasoned pros. It’s also worth noting that when learning to play golf, and all its ins and outs, it’s important to have that proverbial chip on your shoulder. As one of the all time greats, Jack Nicklaus, once said, “Don’t be too proud to take lessons. I’m not.”

Another facet that limits women – and people in general – to try golf is, of course, the economical side of things. Admit it, most of us see the sport as strictly an expensive passion fit for only the rich and well off. With this, many individuals, groups collectively, make it a point to erase this idea and render it to be more accessible. Play Your Course suggests that golf is more affable nowadays, as it offers many of the same benefits of other sports. They added how it’s enjoyed by a variety of people across the globe from different social and economic backgrounds. In short, it somewhat destroys the impression of golf’s exclusivity.

Indeed, golf empowers women. The aforementioned writer and avid golfer Leslie Andrews wrote the book 'Even Par:How Golf Helps Women Gain the Upper Hand in Business.' Here, she emphasizes how the sport bestows ladies the power to build strong business relationships and – in a way – advance their corporate standing. Pam Swensen, CEO of Executive Women’s Golf Association, underlined a survey that revealed how 79 per cent of women agree that golf courses are fitting venues to get to know people and expand connections.

In hindsight, golf’s power goes beyond sport itself, as it can also be used as a vehicle for development both in terms of professional and personal relationships. For women, playing golf can give them a boost of confidence, the capacity to tackle and take care of a range of personalities and egos. All being well, as more and more females enjoy the sport and all its intricacies, people will soon forget the perception that golf is only for the affluent, time–honored gentlemen.

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