LPGA
International Golf Associations for Women Golfers

One of the theories for the origins of golf is it began with bored Scottish farm Workers hitting stones into rabbit holes with their up turned shepherd’s crooks. It has moved a long way since then and is now a game that has travelled round the world and is played by both men and women golfers. 1895 was the date of the first international women’s competition between competitors from Tacoma and Victoria. (Victoria won on their home course.)

From small beginnings there are now a number of international associations for women golfers. The Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) for instance. This association has branches in the U.S.A., Canada and France. One of its aims is to provide opportunities for women to play golf for both business and life. There are a number of benefits including golf education, a magazine and reduced green fees on many courses.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) takes part in tournaments around the world. Check on their calendar of events - this fall there are events in Sweden, S.Korea, Thailand, California, Japan and Australia for instance. Their web site includes such things as how to qualify and application forms. They are also associated with a Girl’s Golf program and award scholarships. All this is a long way from the first tour in the1950’s when the players did all the work as well and even played for no money in order to promote women’s golf. The first Women’s world Amateur Team Championship was held in 1964.

A good place to find either a golf association or women’s golf association in the United States is the United States Golf Association (USGA) website. They detail golf associations by both State and Region. Each country, region or continent has their own Golf Associations and women’s golf associations.

Junior players also have access to international golf associations. The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) aims to promote the integrity and expertise of the game amongst junior players. They provide a wide range of information and tour dates for all Junior Players (male and female).

Some associations of course are for both male and female. The International Association of Golf Club Presidents (IAGCP) , along with the International Golf Federation including women golfers associations from around the world. The International Golf Federation was founded in the 1950’s as the World Amateur Golf Council then the USGA found itself having to turn down requests to play in international tournaments – as there were too many.

Do you spend time each day thinking about your game – ‘That ninth hole - I did really well there.’ Or ‘If the stream hadn’t been in the way I might have won’. Does that sound like you? If so perhaps it is time to join one of these associations, because you are well and truly hooked on this amazing and yet sometimes frustrating game.

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