Swing into Action and Take a Mulligan at These Championship Courses Designed for the Fairer Sex
Fore! Golf is a sport millions of people enjoy worldwide, and women’s golf has seen significant growth in recent years. With more opportunities and recognition for female golfers, the demand for high-quality women’s golf courses has also increased.
From historic links courses in Scotland to modern resorts in China, many fantastic golf courses cater specifically to women. These courses offer challenging layouts, stunning scenery, and a chance to compete at the sport’s highest level.
In this list, we will explore some of the world’s best women’s golf courses and what makes them so exceptional.
Where you can shout “Fore!” more:
- Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina, USA – Pinehurst No. 2 is a championship course that has hosted several significant women’s golf tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open. The course is known for its challenging greens and unique sandscapes, making it a favorite among many top female golfers.
- Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancashire, England – This historic golf course has hosted the Women’s British Open numerous times and is one of the most challenging courses in the world. The layout features narrow fairways and tricky bunkers that require precision and strategic shot-making.
- The Old Course at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland – The Old Course at St. Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world and has hosted numerous women’s golf championships, including the Women’s British Open. The course is known for its famous bunkers and challenging terrain, making it a true test of a golfer’s skills.
- Mission Hills Golf Club, Shenzhen, China – Mission Hills is the largest golf resort in the world, with 12 championship courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf. The resort has hosted the World Ladies Championship and the LPGA Tour Championship, and the courses are known for their stunning views and challenging layouts.
- Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore – This award-winning golf club has hosted the HSBC Women’s World Championship and is known for its stunning views and challenging courses. The Serapong Course is particularly renowned for its beautiful scenery and challenging terrain.
- The Renaissance Club, East Lothian, Scotland – This relatively new course has already made a name for itself, hosting the Scottish Open and the Ladies Scottish Open. The course features stunning coastal views and a challenging layout that tests golfers’ skills.
Did you know?
The first recorded golf tournament for women took place in 1811 in Musselburgh, Scotland. It was organized by the Edinburgh Ladies’ Golf Club, founded in 1810 and considered the oldest women’s golf club in the world. Women’s golf has come a long way since then, with the first women’s major championship held in 1902 and the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) formation in 1950.
A little history:
It was in the 19th century that the sport began to gain popularity among women. In 1810, the Edinburgh Ladies’ Golf Club was founded in Scotland, making it the world’s first women’s golf club. Women’s golf tournaments were held throughout the 19th century, but it was in the early 20th century that the sport gained wider recognition.
In 1902, the first women’s golf major championship was held, with American golfer Margaret Curtis winning the inaugural U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The Women’s British Open was established in 1976, and the LPGA Championship (now known as the ANA Inspiration) was first played in 1955.
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) was founded in 1950 with 13 founding members, including Babe Zaharias, Patty Berg, and Louise Suggs. The LPGA was established to provide a professional tour for female golfers, and it quickly grew in popularity, with tournaments held throughout the United States and worldwide.
Over the years, women’s golf has seen many pioneering players, including Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam, and Lorena Ochoa, who have helped to elevate the sport and inspire future generations of female golfers.Â
Women’s golf continues to thrive today, with major championships, professional tours, and amateur competitions held worldwide.