The game of golf has long carried a reputation for exclusivity, often limiting participation for many groups. Today, however, the sport is evolving in remarkable ways thanks to the efforts of organizations, initiatives, industry leaders, and passionate individuals committed to making golf more welcoming and accessible for all.
One of the most impactful initiatives leading that change is Women’s Golf Day, which celebrates its 11th year in 2026. While Women’s Golf Day is officially recognized on May 26, it also serves as part of the broader celebration of National Women in Golf Week — a time dedicated to recognizing the incredible growth of the women’s game and the people helping shape its future.
As part of this celebration, we wanted to highlight just how dramatically the game has changed for the better through initiatives like these, recognize some of the inspiring individuals and organizations driving progress, and showcase the continued efforts being made to grow and support women’s golf at every level.
The Stats
Sources: Golf Canada, The Clubhouse, and the National Golf Foundation
- In 2025, there were more than 8 million female on-course golfers over the age of six.
- The number of traditional female golfers has surpassed 6 million over the past six years — a level not seen since before the 2007 financial crisis.
- Since 2019, the game has seen a net gain of 2.5 million female golfers, representing an incredible 46% increase.
- Since the pandemic, women have become the driving force behind golf’s growth, accounting for 60% of the sport’s overall participation increase.
- Female juniors are now one of golf’s fastest-growing segments, making up 35% of all junior golfers.
- In Canada, 42% of on-course participants in Golf Canada’s First Tee Program identified as female.
- Golf Canada’s “She Plays Golf” festivals introduced more than 700 new participants to the game, while Try Golf Clinics reached an additional 275 girls.
The Associations
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PGA of Canada
Earlier this year, the PGA of Canada announced that Tiffany Gordon would become the association’s 51st President — a historic milestone as the Albertan became the first female president in the organization’s history. In addition, the Women in Coaching program, developed in partnership with Golf Canada, continues to focus on increasing female representation in high-performance coaching roles across the country.
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Golf Canada
Golf Canada continues to prioritize the growth of women’s golf through a wide range of initiatives, including the “She Plays Golf” festival series, women-focused clinics, coaching development programs, and expanded championship opportunities. In 2026, the organization is continuing to build its national community through new initiatives, including plans for a nationwide challenge for female leagues and the development of a larger digital community for women in golf.
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PGA of Alberta
The PGA of Alberta and golf professionals across the province continue to create innovative clinics, events, tournaments, and lesson programs designed to introduce more women to the game and help them feel welcome in the sport. At this spring’s Consumer Show, the “Ladies Lounge” was a tremendous success through collaborations with brands such as Sports Girlie Apparel, Birdie Box, and The Wedding Fair. Their digital presence within women’s golf spaces also continues to grow through partnerships with popular communities and influencers like Club Twirls With The Girls.
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Alberta Golf
At Alberta Golf, we are proud to continue collaborating with Club Twirls With The Girls at the Women’s Amateur Championship as we work to introduce the game to even larger female audiences. The Women’s Division of the Alberta Open is already full for 2026, highlighting the continued demand for competitive opportunities for women in the province.
In the recreational space, UpSwing’s DEI Grant Program continues to support golf events across Alberta, while the Sundre Ladies Only Event has sold out for the first time in event history with 144 participants registered this year.
Looking ahead, Alberta Golf continues to explore new opportunities focused on women in business and college alumni communities while also preparing to expand the reach of its new acquisition, ElleGolf, into new demographics and regions across the province beginning in 2027.
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EGA & CGA
Both city associations offer female competitive events for players to branch out from their traditional club events including events for Seniors, Juniors, and the coveted Women’s Amateurs.
Other Groups
It’s not just the associations that are working to continue the trend of female golf, there are a plethora of groups out there doing the same thing, targeting different markets, using different tactics, but most importantly: helping women enjoy the game with their peers
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Golf & Tacos
Golf and Tacos continues to establish itself as one of Calgary’s largest and most energetic female golf communities. Through a combination of clinics, league play, social events, an engaging digital presence, and a highly anticipated season-ending tournament, Golf and Tacos has created an environment where women of all skill levels can connect through the game. Their welcoming and community-focused approach has helped introduce countless new players to golf while also giving experienced golfers a fun and social outlet to stay involved in the sport. With participation and engagement continuing to grow each season, the momentum behind Golf and Tacos shows no signs of slowing down.
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Golfaround™
Golfaround is dedicated to creating an affordable, supportive, and non-intimidating environment where women of all skill levels can learn, play, and enjoy the game of golf. Whether participants are picking up a club for the first time or looking to refine their skills as experienced players, Golfaround offers a wide variety of instructional programs, league opportunities, clinics, and special events designed to help golfers improve while having fun along the way. Their welcoming atmosphere and focus on confidence-building have made the program a popular choice for women looking to grow both their game and their connection to the golf community.
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Women’s Golf Network
Women’s Golf Network is a vibrant social golf league focused on bringing women together through the game while fostering both personal growth and community connection. The league offers pre-scheduled weekly tee times beginning each May, along with lessons, golf events, and networking opportunities designed to help players improve their skills in a relaxed and encouraging environment. More than just a league, The Women’s Golf Network has become a welcoming space for women across the Edmonton area to build friendships, develop confidence on the course, and share a passion for golf with like-minded players.
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ElleGolf
Founded in 1997, ElleGolf has spent nearly three decades creating a welcoming and supportive space for women to discover, learn, and enjoy the game of golf. Built around the belief that golf should be accessible, enjoyable, and free from unnecessary pressure, the program has introduced women of all ages and backgrounds to the sport in a fun and encouraging environment.
Whether participants are stepping onto the course for the very first time or looking to continue developing their skills, ElleGolf offers opportunities for women of all experience levels to build confidence, improve their game, and connect with others who share a passion for golf. Through its relaxed atmosphere, strong sense of community, and focus on enjoyment, ElleGolf continues to make the game more approachable and inclusive for women across the province.
It’s clear that there’s a lot going on in golf, but the growth we’re seeing in women’s golf in particular is not just a moment, it’s momentum. With so much working being put into it by so many organizations, the future truly is female.