🏌️‍♀️ Women’s Golf History Timeline 1811–2025
A Chronicle of Courage, Community, and Change
This timeline honours the women who shaped, sustained, and redefined the game of golf. Through courage, community, and quiet leadership, they built a global sport that reflects not only skill and competition, but shared purpose and respect.
Each milestone marks not just progress in golf — but the evolution of opportunity, equity, and connection.
⛳ Early Foundations (1811–1899)
🏆 1811 – Musselburgh Fishwives’ Competition (Scotland)
The first recorded organised women’s golf match marks the public beginning of the women’s game.
🤝 1855 – Mrs J. Wolfe-Murray Plays St Andrews Links
Her quiet defiance of social norms opens the Old Course to future generations.
🏠1867 – St Andrews Ladies’ Golf Club Founded
The world’s first club for women golfers formalises their place in the sport.
⚖️ 1893 – Ladies’ Golf Union Established
Issette Pearson and Blanche Hulton, supported by forward-thinking male allies, create the first national governing body for women’s golf.
📖 1899 – Our Ladies of the Green
A landmark book articulates ideals of camaraderie, fairness, and the shared spirit that still define women’s golf today.
Reflection:
These early pioneers faced social constraint with grace and resolve. They didn’t just play golf — they claimed space in public life. Their clubs and competitions laid the foundations for self-governance, fellowship, and inclusion that the sport continues to build upon.
💜 Rebuilding & Recognition (1900–1979)
⚖️ 1911–1912 – Professional and Parliamentary Societies Founded
Groups like the Ladies’ Parliamentary, Medical, Legal, and United Services Golf Associations unite women from emerging professions through the shared language of golf.
⚖️ 1921 – Veteran Ladies Golf Association (VLGA)
Mabel Stringer’s creation offers senior women purpose, competition, and friendship beyond youth sport — the foundation of today’s senior golf network.
🏆 1932 – Curtis Cup Inaugurated
The first trans-Atlantic women’s amateur contest begins a tradition of goodwill and excellence.
🎖️ 1936 – Pam Barton’s Dual Amateur Victories
Her success — and her decision to remain an amateur — symbolise integrity and independence.
⚖️ 1950 – LPGA Founded (USA)
Thirteen professionals formalise women’s professional golf, creating sustainable careers in sport.
⚖️ 1952 – English Women’s Golf Association Formed
An essential link in the chain of national governance that later becomes England Golf.
⚖️ 1958 – World Amateur Golf Council (later IGF)
Women gain representation in international golf governance.
⚖️ 1969 – Regional Veteran and Senior Associations
Across the UK, new networks keep women connected, competitive, and in leadership — guardians of the game’s continuity.
🏆 1973 – Women’s Professional Golf Association (UK)
Lays the groundwork for the Ladies European Tour and international professional play.
Reflection:
The mid-century decades brought structure and recognition. Women built tours, associations, and institutions from the ground up — often unpaid, always determined. These were years of persistence and rebuilding, when cooperation replaced exclusion and the quiet professionalism of women became golf’s steady heartbeat.
💚 Expansion & Equality (1980–2025)
⚖️ 1981 – Ladies European Tour Founded
A generation of pioneers formalises professional golf across Europe.
📖 1984 – The Golfing Ladies
Rosalynde Cossey’s book records the women and organisations that built the modern game.
🏆 1987 – Women’s British Open Established
A tournament that evolves into a major, reflecting growing parity in competition.
🌍 1990 – LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program
Introduces tens of thousands of girls to the game, creating the next generation of players and leaders.
🏌️‍♀️ 1998 – “The Se Ri Effect”
Korean champion Se Ri Pak’s victory sparks a global transformation in women’s golf.
⚖️ 2011 – Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR)
The R&A and USGA create an international ranking, recognising women’s amateur excellence on equal terms.
⚖️ 2018 – R&A Women in Golf Charter
Formal commitments to equality and inclusion become part of golf’s governance worldwide.
🌸 2020 – Women on the Tee (UK)
Founded by Julie Walker as a knowledge hub and playing community linking today’s women golfers with the history and spirit of those who came before.
🏆 2022 – Women in Golf Awards (UK)
Nicole Wheatley’s initiative celebrates the contributions of women across the industry.
📖 2025 – Matchless: The Story of Women in Golf
Stephen Proctor’s new history restores many forgotten pioneers to their rightful place.