Women’s Golf: A Legacy of Progress and Milestones by Gregg Shore, MD
Gregg Shore, MD, explained that Women’s golf has evolved significantly from its early days, with historical records tracing female participation back to the 16th century Mary, Queen of Scots, is often credited as an early enthusiast, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that organized competitions for women emerged. The founding of the Ladies Golf Union (LGU) in 1893 and the introduction of the U S Women’s Amateur Championship in 1895 marked the beginning of structured women’s golf
Women faced significant sports barriers during this period, but their determination led to increased opportunities. The early 20th century saw the rise of remarkable golfers like Joyce Wethered and Glenna Collett-Vare, who dominated amateur events and set new standards for excellence. Their achievements helped legitimize women’s golf and inspired further development.
The mid-20th century brought a significant shift with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) formation in 1950 This was a pivotal moment, providing women with the chance to compete professionally and gain broader recognition Legends like Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Mickey Wright played a crucial role in popularizing the sport, breaking records, and attracting fans
As the LPGA grew, more tournaments were established, and women’s golf gained international traction The Women’s British Open later elevated to significant championship status, and the Ladies European Tour (LET) creation further expanded opportunities for female golfers worldwide The rise of television coverage also helped increase the sport’s visibility and fan base
Women’s golf has flourished globally in recent years, with players from Asia, Europe, and the Americas making significant contributions Stars like Annika Sörenstam, Lorena Ochoa, and Inbee Park have set new records and increased the sport’s popularity. The return of women’s golf to the Olympics in 2016 was another historic moment, reinforcing its importance in competitive sports
Today, the sport continues to evolve with increased sponsorship, higher prize money, and greater media attention. With young talents emerging and pushing boundaries, women’s golf is set to reach even greater heights