IAGA Insider Digest Series
Women in Golf: Building Community Through Golf Canada’s ‘She Plays Golf’
Golf Canada’s ‘She Plays Golf’ initiative is making significant strides in fostering inclusivity and increasing the participation of women and girls in golf. “Golf Canada made a commitment to increasing representation of equity deserving communities in golf,” shared Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director for Inclusion Programs, and Safe Sport. The initiative seeks to provide pathways for women and girls to engage in golf across various platforms, from green grass facilities to leadership roles within the sport.
Originally piloted in Calgary in 2023, ‘She Plays Golf’ expanded to the greater Vancouver and Toronto regions in 2024. Wilson emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in the program’s success: “Our idea was not to reinvent the wheel… We looked at existing programs in the various communities, who the leaders were, and we didn’t want to compete with them.” Instead, the program aims to fill gaps in the existing participation pathways by collaborating with local leaders and organizations to enhance the experience for women.
Looking ahead, the vision for “She Plays Golf” is to establish a comprehensive ecosystem where women and girls can participate at all levels, whether they’re new to the sport or aspiring professionals. Wilson explained, “We’re looking to create opportunities for women, at any stage of their development.” The program includes introductory events like try golf sessions, networking opportunities through initiatives like the RBC women’s networking series, and competitive pathways for those aiming for the LPGA tour.
Wilson offered valuable advice for other organizations seeking to enhance female participation in golf: “The number one thing I would say is look and see what’s being done within the community and how you can support and amplify existing programs and address any gaps that may exist.” Emphasizing the importance of a welcoming atmosphere, she noted that minimizing barriers for newcomers—such as simplifying dress codes, providing equipment, and ensuring costs are manageable—is essential. “Creating that safe and welcoming environment was really the key to our success,” she remarked. Volunteers were instrumental in this approach, serving not only as facilitators but also as mentors and cheerleaders for new participants.
Feedback from participants in this program have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing surprise at how enjoyable the sport can be. Several participants shared that they initially didn’t think golf was a sport for them, but their experiences changed their perceptions. This shift in attitude has led to ongoing interest, with women eager to continue playing and seeking out additional programs. Wilson noted, “We provided feedback to individuals about ongoing programming in their community that they could register for,” ensuring that the momentum generated by the program continues.
In 2025, Golf Canada plans to enhance the program further by partnering with more golf facilities to offer try golf sessions throughout the season, rather than limiting activities to specific festival weeks. Wilson expressed her gratitude to Golf Canada for the opportunity to pilot this program and her hope for its continued growth and impact, stating, “I’m just very grateful to be in this position and to have the opportunity to create programming that we hope will engage more women and girls in the sport.”
The “She Plays Golf” initiative not only serves as a beacon of inclusivity within the sport but also provides a blueprint for other organizations aiming to increase female participation. By fostering partnerships, creating welcoming environments, and responding to participant feedback, Golf Canada is building a strong community for women in golf—demonstrated by the participation of over 800 women across 23 activations at 18 facilities. A crucial aspect of this initiative is Golf Canada’s commitment to partnering with community groups that align with their vision for promoting sport and physical activity among young girls. Collaborations with organizations like Fast and Female and Girls in Sport Alberta allowed them to invite inspiring speakers who emphasized the importance of active participation. This unified approach not only enriches the golfing experience but also inspires a new generation of female athletes, proving that when communities come together, the impact can be truly transformative.
By: Santana Shipley