Golf Canada has initiated an effort titled She Plays Golf with the objective of introducing women and girls of various ages and skill levels to the sport of golf. The program has already made significant progress with successful events in Calgary and plans to extend its reach to Vancouver and Toronto by 2024.
The She Plays Golf program is focused on establishing an inviting and inclusive environment for women through activities that connect female instructors and leaders in the sport. The main highlight of this initiative is a tournament for women professionals and elite amateurs, complemented by various activities designed to introduce newcomers to the game of golf.
The RBC, a Canadian financial services firm, is supporting the She Plays Golf program this year, sponsoring the Women in Leadership networking series. This collaboration with Golf Canada has raised over $10 million for charitable causes, benefiting projects like the RBC Community Junior Golf, which provides affordable access to the game for numerous young individuals across Canada.
An essential objective of the She Plays Golf initiative is to elevate the participation of women and girls in golf. Lisa Wilson, the director of Inclusion Programs and Safe Sport for Golf Canada, has emphasized the program’s goal of making a significant impact on the entry level for women, ensuring their comfort and welcoming experience in the sport. Additionally, the program aims to offer a platform to support aspiring professional women golfers in Canada.
Last year, the She Plays Golf program organized a series of events at the Glencoe Invitational in Calgary, drawing the participation of approximately 350 women. The activities included clinics, workshops, a nine-hole Scramble event, and a luncheon focused on the importance of staying active. The program also emphasized ongoing support to keep women engaged in the sport beyond the initial events.
Expanding its reach into three Canadian provinces, She Plays Golf will introduce a She Plays Golf Championship Series, providing an opportunity for professional women golfers aspiring to join the LPGA Tour to showcase their talents on a larger platform.
As part of the championship series, the top performers will qualify for the CPKC Women’s Open, an official LPGA Tour event, and the overall point leader will earn a spot in the Women’s Open. Furthermore, Golf Canada’s Q-school bursary program is available to provide support for participants entering the LPGA Q-school in the fall.
The She Plays Golf program has had a positive impact on women’s participation in the sport, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse golf community. With its continued expansion, She Plays Golf is poised to make significant strides in empowering women and girls through the game of golf.