International Women’s Day (8 March) is a powerful reminder of the importance of advancing women’s equality, and this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for a collective push towards real, impactful change.
In the world of golf, this resonates strongly as we strive not only to break down barriers but to actively create spaces where women and girls feel welcomed, supported, and empowered.
Golf has made significant strides in recent years, with many organisations, golf clubs, and passionate individuals working tirelessly to foster female participation and build inclusive environments. It’s about more than just opening the door, it’s about building a golf community where women belong.
A shining example of this community spirit is Skratch Women, which has earned nominations in not one, but two categories at next month’s England Golf Awards – the Respect in Golf Award and Women & Girls Trailblazer.
As a young full-time professional in London, Caroline Shukla struggled to find like-minded women to join her for some relaxed golf, and it didn’t take long for her to realise she wasn’t alone. “There was a real appetite among women in my age range who wanted to try golf, but they didn’t know where to go,” Shukla explains.
In 2021, Shukla founded Skratch Women, an inclusive community designed to help women get into golf and connect with others who share their passion for the sport. In just three years, more than 100 women have completed a structured golf learning programme at golf clubs in South West and North London, while just as many have taken part in overseas golf events.
(Image credit: Skratch Women)
Since launching last July, Skratch Women’s WhatsApp group has grown to over 250 members, and the community has more than 3,000 followers across social media. And yet, they’re still really just getting started as the reach is mainly focused on London for now.
It’s crazy to think that the golf industry has been chasing this female demographic for years with limited success – yet 76% of the Skratch Women community is under 40. The demand has likely been there all along, but the real issue isn’t women’s interest in golf. It’s that the industry, including golf clubs, has often failed to create the right environment and formats to make the game appealing to…
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