Golf as an opportunity for women in business?
Golf courses have long provided excellent networking venues and given individuals the chance to discuss business whilst enjoying the great outdoors and some competitive sport. However, there has been a distinct discrepancy in the number of females taking part in these types of business meetings in comparison to their male colleagues.
Why?
Well for starters, the golf ratio scales are still hugely tipped. Despite lockdown creating a huge surge in female golfers, the percentages still stand at only 28% female (this is up from 14% pre-lockdown). In addition, an article published last year in Golf Monthly declared that golf's gender pay gap is one of the biggest in sport. However, the female golf community is growing and with ‘making history’ moments like Linn Grant’s win at the Scandinavian Mixed with a huge nine-stroke victory - it is inspiring others to join the game.
Within business, golf is an opportunity. Many females find themselves out of the loop, missing out on golf days or meetings on the course, staying in the office when they could be enjoying the outdoor environment.
However, golf has no gender. It doesn’t mind who plays it. It can be a gateway to opportunity. An open game for everyone to enjoy- and it’s time to embrace that.
Networking
There are increasingly more opportunities arising for females in business to meet others whilst trialling out golf - like the brilliant Women and Golf event held at the Golf Catcher Academy (Christchurch Golf Club). The event brought together females from a range of business roles - showcasing the value in getting out of the office and networking over sport.
After a few pointers from the club pros, complete novices to golf were driving the ball 152 yards and landing within 4 feet of the pin - just think of the possibilities with a couple of lessons!
The feeling of guilt for being out of the office was quickly outweighed by the value of this meet-up. The connections and the opportunities that arise from face-to-face meetings are far more valuable than a social media post or attempt to reach out through email. Sport forms bonds and is the perfect way to discuss business in a less formal way.
The benefits
Aside from the networking aspect, golf comes with many benefits. It is excellent for your well-being both mentally and physically. It can offer competition and laughter, a change of scenery and the chance to make bonds with those you play with.
So how do you get on the course?
It can be hard and expensive to become a member of a golf course - but there are options out there. If you are looking for a more relaxed start to golf, there are many par 3 courses you can pay and play.
If you are keen to play a local course that requires a handicap then there are platforms like igolf (England Golf's Digital Community providing golfers with the only Official Handicap Index.) You can sign up with an annual rate and it allows you to gain a handicap without the need for membership to any course. It's as easy as pre-registering rounds on the app and then submitting signed-off score cards.
And there you go... a handicap and the chance to join any future meeting on the course!
To read more of our articles visit our blog and check out our collection of casual golf attire and stylish putter grips.
To hear the latest from women's golf visit https://womenandgolf.com/
Members of Women and Golf get access many offers and benefits including 20% off Sunset Bay merchandise.
