History of Women in Golf
Golf WA understands the importance of retaining women's history for future generations. In order to keep an accurate record of women in golf, we have employed the services of expert historian Susan Groom who is currently undertaking research in preparation for a History of Women In Golf publication.
History of Women in Golf
In the early 1900s the first nucleus of women golfers emerges from the three metropolitan clubs: Perth, Fremantle and Cottesloe. These women's chosen sport represents the bastion of male power brokers. They are termed "associate members" with limited access to club facilities. Never-the-less by 1910 they are competing in interclub competitions and the first Women's State Championship; and by 1914 they have formed their own union: the Western Australian Ladies Golfing Union (WALGU).
Focussing on increasing the scope of their sport, and with a strict adherence to golfing protocol, they set about extending the network, linking hundreds of otherwise isolated country women within the State. They also link with women golfers in other States to create a national body (the Australian Ladies Golf Union) through which national competitions and later international competitions can be organised.
The first State representatives in national and international competitions are a source of enormous pride for the organisers of WALGU, which has long battled the tyranny of distance both within the State and from other States where national competitions are always held. Financial support from all clubs affiliated with WALGU to send these champions overseas is viewed as an investment in broadening the scope of women's golf.
When golf's popularity explodes after WWII, an increase in the numbers of country players increases the number of districts, which run their own competitions within the structures of the State body. New suburbs in the metropolitan area bring more players and create demand for new and improved golf courses.
By 1953 WALGU finally wins its bid to hold the Australian Championships at Royal Perth, attracting the biggest gate takings for an Australian meeting.
Women's golf is now drawing an audience, which is extended with the advent of television. In 1979 WA, no longer the "Cinderella" State, hosts its first Commonwealth Tournament at Lake Karrinyup.
Golf attracts both young and old, those who play pennants or only occasionally and those whose work commitments precludes them from playing on the designated women's day of the week. Attracting girls to the sport, retaining senior players and attaining gender equity become the challenges, as new divisions and structures are devised to support golf for specific groups.
With a broader base and increased exposure to international competitions, the standard of women's golf is lifted. Corporate sponsorship becomes more attractive and golf as a profession becomes an option for some of the State's best performers.
As both governments and private enterprise perceive the benefits of sport for fitness and lifestyle, golf for community development becomes a focus.
Elite golfers are employed to promote their sport throughout the State. As golf becomes 'big business' WALGU is able to attract corporate sponsorship for events. The Western Australian Institute of Sport fosters elite young golfers and Government grants, specifically aimed at health promotion are directed towards the organization (now called Women's Golf WA). Its office becomes the central hub for an extensive range of activities, with new technologies and services for increased efficiency and scope.
In 2010 with gender inequality in clubs no longer an issue, it is planned to further increase efficiencies and support for women golfers by combining with the central office for men' s golf.
Should you have any information that you feel would be a valuable inclusion to this project, please contact the Golf WA office on (08) 9367 2490.
