Women and girls have long been underrepresented in golf, but efforts are being made to change that. March has been declared Women's History Month, and in the golfing world, it is a time to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of female golfers past and present.
Golf has the power to unite people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and Women's History Month is a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in sports. Women have significantly contributed to the sport, from trailblazers like Sarah Kemp and Grace Kim to modern stars like Minjee Lee and Hannah Green. This month provides an opportunity to acknowledge their achievements while inspiring the next generation of female golfers.

Commencing the Women and Girls Month celebrations, Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, and WPGA Tour of Australasia jointly inaugurated the Women's Golf Network event for 2023. This gala was accompanied by a morning of networking with media for the competitors in The Athena.
Karen Lunn, the CEO of WPGA Tour, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The Athena is an exceptional event, which comprises two days of short-form challenges and four-hole match play, that allows for easy consumption and tracking of the sport. The small field creates a significant opportunity for our upcoming wave of genuine talent to exhibit their remarkable athleticism and distinctive and enthralling personalities."
Lunn additionally noted that Keeley Marx, the IMG World Junior Champion, Justice Bosio, who is scheduled to participate in the Augusta National Women's Event later this year, and Kelsey Bennett, who won the WPGA Tour Q School in 2023, are three outstanding examples of the talent that were lined up for The Athena. Lunn maintained that all competitors were primed to advance to the next stage of their careers.
Golf Australia's Head of Women and Girls Engagement, Tiffany Cherry, expressed excitement about the upcoming events for Women and Girls Month in March, emphasising that there is much to look forward to after the successful Women's Golf Network event and The Athena tournament.
Cherry announced several public events that will take place throughout the month, including an International Women's Day event with childcare services, an Active Allies Day, a Family Day, and more. These events aim to inspire other clubs and facilities nationwide to initiate similar initiatives to encourage women and girls to play golf and pursue golf-related careers.
In addition to these events, key fixtures on the WPGA Tour schedule, such as the NSW Women's Open and the Australian Women's Classic, will also take place during the month. The Golf Leaders Network will conclude the month with its inaugural meeting.
Cherry revealed that there are millions of women and girls in Australia who are interested in playing golf but have yet to start. Therefore, Women and Girls Month aims to break down the barriers to women and girls entering the golfing community. The events will take place from March 1 to March 31, and interested participants can find the full schedule of events and registration links on the Golf Australia website.

What does it take to become a golfer?

Becoming a golfer takes more than just hitting a ball with a club. It takes hours of practice to learn the intricacies of each club and the nuances of each course. It takes patience, dedication, and a desire to improve.
It takes mental toughness, the ability to stay focused and calm in the face of adversity. It takes physical fitness, with golfers often walking several miles per round. It takes respect for the game and its traditions, as well as respect for fellow golfers and the course itself. But most importantly, it takes a love for the sport and a willingness to always strive for excellence.

Is there a specific diet you must follow as a golfer?

As a golfer, it's important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your performance on the course. While there's no one-size-fits-all diet for golfers, there are some general guidelines you can follow. Speaking to an avid golfer from the Coles retail chain, who is also a nutritionist, she advised the following:

• “First, prioritise hydration. You'll stay focused and alert if you drink lots of water before, during, and after your round.
• Second, strive for a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks, which can cause energy crashes and affect your focus.
• Finally, consider incorporating foods rich in nutrients that support your body's recovery, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Examples include salmon, leafy greens, berries, and nuts. You can easily find these in a Coles catalogue or any supermarket near you."

How do you register with golf clubs?

To register with Australian golf clubs as a female golfer, the first step is to research and select a club that aligns with your interests and preferences. Most clubs have an online registration process that requires personal and contact information, including your name, email address, phone number, and postal address.
Once registered, you may need to pay a membership fee and follow the club's regulations and dress code. Some clubs may also require handicap information or previous golfing experience. It's essential to contact the club's staff or women's golf coordinator for any additional information or support in navigating the registration process.