eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
There has been a surge in the number of women and girls participating in golf in the country in recent years attributable to a change in culture, relaxed entry fees and flexible dressing.
Traditionally, golf has been a sport dominated by males, but all that has been changing of late.
Globally, a report titled “The Global Economic Value of Increased Female Participation in Golf” and commissioned by Syngenta, a Swiss biotechnology company that deals primarily in agriculture business, concludes golf’s global economy could be boosted by $35 billion if it converted more interested women into the game.
Fuelled by exciting group of female professionals and the efforts of golf’s governing bodies, golf participation among women is on the increase, as the sport continues to attract new players to the game and convert them into membership.
On the other hand, clubs and golfing associations in the country have brought in programmers to encourage more women to play golf and it appears these strategies are working.
Last month, Leopard Rock Hotel, offered female golfers its golf course for free during the festive season in honour and celebration of the appointment of veteran swimmer Kirsty Coventry as Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
Chapman Golf Club manager Stuart Uta, admitted that there is huge demand from women to play golf at a time when golf clubs have been struggling with falling rates of participation in general.
Uta reported that the number of female club members on their system has been positive considering the number of women who say they want to learn golf with other beginners, professionals and those who play as a hobby.
Female golfer Alaina Suliwa
“There are no definitive figures available for such things at hand, but I can confirm that there is interest in female participation at this club,” Uta said.
“I cannot speak on behalf of other clubs but so far, we have seen a huge interest in women turning up for golf at all levels.
“We have had initiatives to increase participation among lady golfers encouraging them by many ways and it’s slowly starting to pay dividends. It is a long process, of course, but there appears to be green shoots of progress,” he added.
Golfer, Alaina Suliwa, says he has just become a golf addict since 2017 when her friends and workmates introduced her to the courses,
Suliwa, a marketing guru, said her circle of friends has since joined in while some have shown interest by either buying golfing equipment or registering at her club.
“There has been some interesting changes in female golf participation since I started playing golf. I have seen more women coming and showing interest. I have also encouraged friends and family members to take up golf during their free time. I have made good professional friends and business around golf courses,” Suliwa said.
Suliwa said it will be valuable when clubs better understand what female golfers want and the strategies required to make women long-term customers.
“There are many ways in which club managers use to engage, increase and retain more female customers, “she said.
“There is need for flexible play in which they can choose 18, 9 or even 6 holes and that would give golfers more options in the time they had available.
“I suggest a friendlier atmosphere will be healthy to attract women. The intimidating side of club culture, rules and etiquette, must be upheld to value women.
Suliwa continued: “To attract more female participants, there’s need for affordable subscriptions for beginners.
“It will be a good idea to play in shorter courses that include 9-hole and 6-hole options whiles free female group lessons with female coaches will boost numbers.
“Because women want to look good, but not told what to wear, there is also need for casual dress code.”
However, in Zimbabwe, female golfers remain significantly under-represented in players, decision making bodies, coaches among others.
While not all of these solutions will be relevant to every club, the feedback is a useful sounding board for club managers considering activities to build its female membership.
