According to the first-ever Women's Golf Market Study from Golf Datatech, LLC, almost one in three female respondents considered the average golf course to be “a very male oriented place.” While a majority of female respondents to this study live active lifestyles and boast an average household income of six figures, an equal majority cited cost, time and family constraints as reasons preventing them from playing golf more frequently.
Over 1,000 female golfers from Golf Datatech's exclusive database of Serious Golfers (a minimum of 12 rounds per year) participated in a survey regarding their golfing habits and perceptions.
“While over 50% of the U.S. population is female, less than 25% of total golfers are women,” said Tom Stine, a partner at Golf Datatech. “Combine the cost, time and family pressures with their overall perception of the male orientation at the golf course, and it's not surprising that women leave the game as often as they enter. This is ultimately the basis for the women's golf population to be at a near standstill.”
When asked what they enjoyed about playing golf, 91% of respondents said being outdoors, 82% said being with friends, 80% said trying to improve and 79% said the challenge of the game.
One in three respondents think it “costs too much,” while 21% say rounds took too long. 40% and 31% dont have enough time and work too much, respectively. The average female respondent estimates she spends slightly less that $700 in the past year on golf equipment, with 18% spending more than $1,000.
