To round-out our focus this month on the topic of diversity and inclusiveness in golf—perfect timing following the recent incident at Grandview Golf Club—we asked executives from companies leading the charge in the space of inclusion, along with golfers and non-golfers alike, to share their views on the topic of diversity and inclusiveness, and where opportunities exist for golf to create positive change.
Their responses were varied, but each hit on a common thread: for the game to grow, creating an environment that welcomes a variety of people and approaches to enjoying the game is key.
Read on and share your thoughts in the comments below:
“To encourage diversity among golfers, specifically women—which is my customer base—I encourage golf course management, and yes, other golfers, to recognize that not all golfers play the game for score. By offering alternative ways to navigate the golf course and ‘breaking the rules of golf’, less skilled golfers can enjoy the game alongside those that are more experienced. By removing the expectation to ‘score’, I have found that the intimidation factor is reduced, allowing a more varied and diverse group of women participating in the game.”
Donna Hoffman
Founder, Women on Course
“Not only do we need to have women with a seat at the table, but we also have to have women on the course with a club. There are so many critical business conversations that happen on the golf course that women should be included in. In order to be included, we need to have an effective game—it doesn’t have to be perfect, but we have to understand the etiquette and have the confidence to get out there.”
Karen S. Carter
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dow
“I confess. I don’t play golf. But throughout my career, I’ve met many women who do, and I know a golf course can be very important in growing your network, learning from those around you, while challenging yourself to make that elusive hole-in-one. It’s important for the LPGA to motivate and equip girls and women around the world to attain their full potential—just as we are working to create a workplace that values all individuals and inspires our colleagues to reach theirs.”
Deirdre Tully
SVP, Diversity & Inclusion and Global Talent Acquisition, XL Catlin
“We all know that golf should be the most inclusive sport out there; the fact that you can play golf if you’re 2 or 102 is what makes this sport really special. But what we find at a golf club can be the complete opposite of the diverse spectrum of players it should have. A welcoming environment to all patrons of the golf club is a good place to start. But all golf facilities must recognize the fact that a one-size-fits-all model just will not work. What a 50-year-old, long-term member wants will differ greatly from a Millennial newcomer to the sport.”
Emma Ballard
Marketing Manager, Medi8
“If we want to grow golf amongst any group, regardless of gender or color, we have to start with the kids. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are so many programs reaching juniors of all walks of life. If we want to perpetuate this game for the future it behooves us to make it available to children in a friendly manner.”
Maria Marino
Mayor, Palm Beach Gardens Florida
“Inclusiveness is the special ingredient that could really bring golf to a new level of participation. In my many years working to introduce women, children, and minorities to the game, one common denominator is fear. Fear that you won’t do the right thing, ask the right questions, dress the right way, or just not be good enough to participate without humiliation. By educating these groups regarding some of the basic rules, providing more funding for free lessons, and eliminating some of the barriers like specific attire rules at courses, the feeling of being welcomed to the sport will resonate.”
Kiernan Schindler
Director, LPGA Foundation
“We have a daily responsibility to share the tremendous benefits of golf with everyone, especially those who have felt unwelcome in the game in the past. Part of this responsibility is relaxing the boundaries and being flexible about some of the traditions to make sure that golf stays relevant to new players in changed situations. For example, we can start with shorter events at courses and ranges that are more fun for beginners.”
Jane Filing
Founder, WomensGolf.com
The more I play golf , the more I have come to understand those negative experiences individuals are exposed to. Sadly the world and people in it are not fair.
However there are many , who are willing and experienced enough to guide others along providing an enjoyable experience. I truly agree , it begins with teaching our children . I support those who take time to introduce the great experiences that come from playing, such a wonderful game.As adults , it can be difficult at times just to get started. Share your positive experiences with friends .Such as user friendly Golf courses,practicing areas and inspiring teachers .The LPGA student centered approach to teaching and learning provides this opportunity. While learning to develop your golf swing , simple awareness of golf course edicuate a basic understanding of the rules .Should be more than enough to enjoy your round .
Once introduced, you will become quite aware of those do not practice or play with the above mentioned instruction and spirit . To bad for them .
Honestly we all go to the golf course in search of our own expectations. With that said .If it is competition, social or personal enjoyment.Seek out the instruction, playing partners and golf courses that will provide the best opportunity for your experience. Here is my disclaimer, I never have and most likely will not try to accomplish business transactions during a round of golf. This is not to say it can not or should not be done. A successful approach for adding this experience will most likely be found in the resumes of many a talented LPGA teaching professional.
I sincerely hope my words are of use and provide some ideas in order to enhance your golfing experiences.Best Wishes Charles
Professional Golf Playing Advisment
There is no excuse for what happened at Grandview Golf Club in York, Pennsylvania. Chasing women off the golf course, in this case for Golfing While Black, is an offense to all golfers. Sanctions or fines should be instituted by PGA, LPGA, USGA, and R and A when obvious racial discrimination is taking place. All women golfers have experienced the bottleneck caused by men teeing off from the tips who can’t even make the fairway. Were the police called?
There is a golf course in Mt. Pleasant Michigan and the starter told us he would much rather have a group of women playing than men. You are so right about playing the tips and playing poorly. Oh my gosh. I have followed men and I have had to wait on them while they spend an inordinate amount of time picking a club and still hack it.
I really appreciated everyone who shared their thoughts on this issue. I took up golf at the age of 47 and just love the game. As an older woman, when I joined a club, we always tee off after the men. For working women, the entire day was gone. The men tee off at the crack of dawn and many stay and drink all afternoon. We don’t get off the course until later in the day and then of course, have to get home and make dinner. So many things have to change, not just the obvious. Many golf courses are going to close. No one has the time or the money where I live.
Nancy
Vancouver, BC. Canada
I’ve been playing golf with EWGA since 2001 and I’ve had a few experiences on the golf course and in the pro shops where I’ve been ignored, overlooked while the sales person helps a man, or quite literally pushed aside by the men during golf equipment tryout events. I have seen an improvement over the last few years as golf courses recognize our emphasis on “Pace of Play”!
And, while I have not closed any business deals on the course, I have developed relationships with many people and this has lead to business transactions later. Golf is a game that can help develop trust between people. Or let you know when someone is actually a “hot head” that blows up when things don’t g