Are Women Noticing Shortcomings in Golf Courses? Here's What They Complain About
Revamped Tale from the Greens:
Let's face it, some golf courses can be a bit of a tough ride for the female golfers out there. Over the years, I've got a few yarns under my belt, and when I look back, I must admit, I didn't exactly relish every golf outing.
Golf clubs, steeped in tradition, aren't purposely unfriendly to women. It's more like a historic carryover. They were designed by gents, for gents, and that old-school mindset lingers in decisions even today. And, let's be clear, it's not like men don't care about the course being a fair playground for us; it's just that we face unique challenges they don't. Everything adds up, making women feel like an afterthought or unwelcome.
Take a recent golf day I played. To reach the women's changing rooms, I had to navigate through function rooms and what felt like back storage areas. Another course I visited had their changing rooms exit right behind the kitchen, next to the bins - yuck! Just like men, a woman's golf experience begins the moment she steps out of her car. Many clubs could do so much more to make women feel welcome even before they hit the fairway.
Even if a club gets everything right and a woman feels like she's walked into the optimal golf haven, things can change once she sets foot on the course.
Here are 5 things women notice right away:
The 1st Tee Drama
The 1st tee scene can be a very different experience for women compared to men. First off, I've had groups question if they could go ahead because they thought they might hold us up. The stereotype of female golfers is still stuck in the past.
I've been to numerous courses where the starter announces men off the tee, which is surrounded by lovely landscaping and signs. Then, he ducks back into his hut, waving his arms that our tee is further down. It's usually uneven and situated off to the side of the hole, making the entire design of the opening hole feel lopsided.
Women need to feel that the 1st tee is their stage and is just as special as the men's. We should be asked the same strategic questions from a forward tee as a back tee. Plus, tee boxes should be larger so the tee can be kept in decent condition. I've always found minimal room on the forward tees, meaning more wear and tear. Don't get me started on where the tee markers were pointing.
It's Just a Par-5 for You, Right?
Turning long par-5s into a par-5 for women might seem like a solution, but it just makes the hole harder for us. With slow play being a real issue in golf, it also means women will take longer to complete the hole.
When I survey my students on the longer par-5s, many say, "How on Earth are we supposed to carry it over the heather? We have to aim at the path!" Turning longer holes into a par-5 for women doesn't improve the enjoyment of playing the hole. A woman will still stand on the tee in the winter, knowing she can't play to her handicap.
This is often the band-aid solution to the problem of the course length for female golfers. Add to that the handicapping system, which only works when players can reach the green in regulation, and you've got a full can of frustrated golfers.
The Driver Shot on a Par-3
Par-3s should be a test of skill. We even hear the pros discussing the best par-3s on tour. The 7th hole at Pebble Beach (107 yards) and the 8th hole "Postage Stamp" (123 yards) at Royal Troon are challenging yet short. Nothing is more monotonous and uninspiring to a golfer than a long par-3.
Why is it that most women I teach have to hit a driver to par-3s to reach the green? Imagine the shock when the ball doesn't stop and runs through the back! These greens weren't designed to have the ball run into them; they're designed for a more lofted club approaching from height and with good spin.
They've been designed for someone with a high swing speed. Turning a par-3 into a par-4 doesn't help. Instead, more creativity is needed to make the tee shot exciting. Par-3s should be an adventure, not a chore.
Without a Single Toilet in Sight
There's plenty of cover for the boys to hide behind, but when a course doesn't have facilities in remote areas, some of us struggle. Not being able to "go" can negatively impact a woman's game. She won't drink enough water, her focus will suffer, and she might avoid playing 18 holes altogether.
I've heard stories from women who worry about situations like a heavy period during play. Having to squat for a pee in the gorse is one thing, but dealing with flooding during that time of the month is another issue altogether!
If golf courses want more female members, especially younger ones, this shouldn't be an afterthought.
A Rare Sighting
Not only have I seldom seen another woman on some courses, at times I've felt like a rare species that's been spotted. Women want to enjoy their golf.
A course that addresses these issues and provides a welcoming environment, such as Royal Birkdale, will attract more women to join. They receive treatment equal to the men and feel equally valued. Women want to be members of clubs with plenty of other women. The answer? Proactively tackle these issues and make sure your club is ticking all the pre-golf boxes and offering an enjoyable on-course experience.
- Golf clubs and courses can significantly improve the lifestyle and golf experience of female golfers by addressing certain challenges.
- Women's unique experiences on golf courses often include feeling overlooked at the 1st tee, facing longer par-5s, struggling with driver shots on par-3s, having inadequate toilet facilities, and feeling isolated due to a lack of other women on the course.
