For generations, golf has often been introduced through a familiar formula: a course, a club, a lesson and a traditional path into the game. But what happens when you're trying to introduce a sport that doesn’t feel familiar to the next generation of girls?
Instead of asking girls to come to golf, what happens when we bring golf to them? That question inspired Youth on Course’s first maybe golf event at Del Monte Center in Monterey, California.
More than 100 girls came together for an afternoon that introduced them to golf in a setting designed around how they already experience community, culture and sport.There was no expectation to know how to swing. No pressure to understand the game. Just an invitation to step inside, pick up a club and see what golf could feel like.
“The event was very accessible. They said anyone can come regardless of golf experience, which made me want to go. It made it less intimidating to start golf.” - Jacky S.
With Dryvebox, girls took their first swings in an immersive golf simulator. They made charms, grabbed matcha, spent time with friends and explored gifting from Sephora and Lululemon. Golf was still at the center of the experience but it didn't have to be the only thing happening.
“A lot of these girls showed up not expecting to enjoy themselves or meet people with shared interests, but they did and they had a great time. They got to try something that can feel scary.” — Moe Melhart, Chief of Strategy, Youth on Course
And that was the point.
For Youth on Course, access has always been about more than simply getting young people onto a golf course. It’s about creating opportunities for young people to discover what golf can offer them: confidence, community, competition, connection and a place to belong.
Maybe Golf takes that idea one step further. Because if we want more girls to play golf, we have to consider how they first encounter the game.
“As golf continues to grow among women and girls, it’s exciting for the industry, but golf can be intimidating for a lot of girls, especially if they don’t know anyone who plays or haven’t had much exposure to the sport. I believe it’s our job to make golf less intimidating for them. We’re really just getting started.” — Moe Melhart, Chief of Strategy, Youth on Course
And if one afternoon can spark more curiosity, more confidence and more girls picking up a club, imagine what comes next.