Learn some practical and proven ways to improve diversity and inclusion in your golf course, from conducting an audit to celebrating your achievements.

You can’t expect non golfers to become golfers unless you provide the pathway and support required to help them move down that pathway. Off course golf is becoming far more popular than traditional on course golf (driving range, mini golf and simulator golf) because it is a lot more accessible. It’s for this reason that off course golf is more representative of the diversity in everyday society. For on course golf to bridge that gap, facilities will need to offer golf in different ways so that people can access the game at their level and to suit their needs.

The golf industry can support diversity and inclusion by making sure there are diverse leaders, making golf more accessible, lowering costs, making diversity and inclusion training required, promoting golf education, working with diverse communities, showing diversity in marketing and promotional materials, doing regular assessments, and doing research and continuous improvement. The golf industry can make the game more accessible and fun for everyone by using these strategies, regardless of background, ability, or socioeconomic status.

Last updated on Jun 23, 2024

What are some ways to address systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion in the golf industry?

The golf industry has a long history of being dominated by white, male, and affluent players, professionals, and decision-makers. This has created systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion, such as lack of representation, access, and opportunity for people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income communities. However, there are some ways to address these challenges and create a more inclusive and equitable golf culture. Here are some suggestions for golf course managers who want to promote diversity and inclusion in their facilities and operations.

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to addressing systemic barriers is to understand your current reality. Conduct a diversity and inclusion audit of your golf course, staff, members, customers, programs, and policies. Identify the gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement. For example, you can measure the diversity of your employees and customers, the accessibility of your facilities and services, the inclusiveness of your communication and marketing, and the impact of your community engagement and outreach. You can use tools such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis to collect and evaluate information.

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Ryan C. Kayton

Manager, Adaptive Golf @ MGA | MBA Candidate
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The golf industry can support diversity and inclusion by making sure there are diverse leaders, making golf more accessible, lowering costs, making diversity and inclusion training required, promoting golf education, working with diverse communities, showing diversity in marketing and promotional materials, doing regular assessments, and doing research and continuous improvement. The golf industry can make the game more accessible and fun for everyone by using these strategies, regardless of background, ability, or socioeconomic status.

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2 Set clear and realistic goals

Based on your assessment, you can set clear and realistic goals for improving diversity and inclusion in your golf course. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, you can aim to increase the percentage of women and people of color in your staff and customer base, to offer more scholarships and discounts for low-income and underrepresented groups, to create more inclusive and welcoming spaces and events, and to partner with local organizations that support diversity and inclusion in golf. You can also assign roles and responsibilities, allocate resources, and monitor progress for each goal.

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3 Provide training and education

One of the most effective ways to address systemic barriers is to provide training and education for yourself and your staff on diversity and inclusion topics. This can help you and your team develop awareness, knowledge, and skills to foster a more inclusive and respectful golf environment. You can also learn from best practices and examples of other golf courses and organizations that have successfully implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives. You can seek out external experts, consultants, or online courses to provide training and education, or you can create your own internal programs and workshops.

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Mark Omell

Mark OMell
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On the golf course maintenance side of operations, using programs like the First Green from the GCSAA can introduce under represented groups to the field of turf management.

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4 Engage with diverse communities

Another way to address systemic barriers is to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders in your area. This can help you build trust, relationships, and partnerships with groups that are traditionally underrepresented or marginalized in golf. You can also learn from their perspectives, needs, and expectations, and tailor your services and programs to meet them. For example, you can reach out to local schools, nonprofits, or community centers that serve diverse populations, and offer them opportunities to visit, play, or learn golf at your course. You can also invite feedback and suggestions from your existing and potential customers on how to improve your diversity and inclusion efforts.

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Josh Hall

CEO at Lonsdale Links (GAICD)
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You can’t expect non golfers to become golfers unless you provide the pathway and support required to help them move down that pathway. Off course golf is becoming far more popular than traditional on course golf (driving range, mini golf and simulator golf) because it is a lot more accessible. It’s for this reason that off course golf is more representative of the diversity in everyday society. For on course golf to bridge that gap, facilities will need to offer golf in different ways so that people can access the game at their level and to suit their needs.

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☆Gianna Rojas - One Handed Lady Golfer☆

World Ranked Golfer with a Disability⭐Adaptive Ambassador PING⭐Approved Education Provider and Named Top 22 Woman DISRUPTORS by LPGA⭐Major Influencer⭐Public Figure⭐Speakers Bureau⭐expertise Adaptive and Accessible Golf.
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I could not agree more. Having someone who has experienced what it is like to be disabled can add a very different and valuable perspective to your boards/committees/teams initiatives. I am always available to share my golfers perspective coming from a One Handed Lady Golfer.

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Kirsty Wilkinson
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It’s imperative to include both female & male disability golfers in the conversation. There are still very few female golfers with a disability playing golf. It’s important to include golfers with a disability at all levels of the game in conversations. As a Disability Golfer playing on the EDGAGOLF tour which is an international tour for golfers with a disability I constantly see situations where disability golfers aren’t included in conversations. So, I am constantly advocating for change. Let’s make playing golf fun for everyone, regardless of people’s differences.

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Thurlo Jansen

creating golfing opportunity at Employed....Heal the Hood Project golf.....
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When used for the sole purpose of window dressing then way to many scholars from these underrepresented groups could once again have the rug pulled from beneath them. Genuine changes, where kids feel they welcome is impprtant. Remember you dealing with future bread winners & members. Judging children based on the area they come from or current lack of finances could be detrimental as these are things that can change in years. Clubs could make or break themselves through the diversity program if scholars are not treated properly. Clubs & driving ranges use photo shoot opportunities for window dressing & not thinking or planning for long term solutions by increasing junior numbers now for a prosperous future thats inclusive of everyone

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5 Celebrate and communicate diversity and inclusion

The final way to address systemic barriers is to celebrate and communicate your diversity and inclusion achievements and values. This can help you showcase your commitment, progress, and impact to your staff, customers, and community. You can also inspire and motivate others to join and support your diversity and inclusion journey. For example, you can share your success stories, testimonials, and best practices on your website, social media, newsletters, or other channels. You can also recognize and reward your staff and customers who contribute to your diversity and inclusion goals. You can also create and join events and campaigns that celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion in golf.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some ways to address systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion in the golf industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your current situation

2 Set clear and realistic goals

3 Provide training and education

4 Engage with diverse communities

5 Celebrate and communicate diversity and inclusion

6 Here’s what else to consider

Golf Course Management

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What are some ways to address systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion in the golf industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your current situation

2 Set clear and realistic goals

3 Provide training and education

4 Engage with diverse communities

5 Celebrate and communicate diversity and inclusion

6 Here’s what else to consider

Golf Course Management

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