A new study has revealed the extent of the negative attitudes that still exist among the UK population when it comes to women’s involvement in golf at all levels of the game, with one-in-seven men arguing that women shouldn’t be allowed to play golf at all.
Golf insurance company Golf Care has published details of a survey that it has conducted with over 2,000 adult UK residents, both men and women – although not all golfers – with questions covering topics related the professional and amateur game, TV viewing, participation and competitive events.
GENDER EQUALITY, PARTICIPATION AND BARRIERS TO ENTRY
- When asked whether gender inequality exists within UK golf, 80% of women said that they thought that it did, while 74% of men who responded felt the same way.
- Of those surveyed, 20% of men said that they played golf at some point in their lives, while just 7% of women had picked up a club.
- Asked why those who hadn’t taken up the game why they had not done so, around 65% of women said that it just “isn’t their thing”, with far fewer men (41%) giving this reason.
- A quarter of people stated that their fitness levels hold them back from playing sport, with a lack of self-confidence, time and disposable income also cited as reasons for a lack of participation, while almost 10% said they have a disability which prevented them from playing any sport.
- Around half (49%) of those interviewed stated that some sports are more naturally suited to men than women, with just 35% of those surveyed agreeing that women have the potential to be as good, or better, than men at most sports.
- One in seven men surveyed (14%) think women and girls shouldn’t play golf. A fifth of those aged 16-24 don’t think women should play golf, compared to just 6% of people aged 55+.
TV GOLF VIEWING HABITS & PREFERENCES
- More than a quarter (28%) of men said they had watched men’s golf on TV, compared to just 11% of men who have watched women’s golf.
- Just 12% of all respondents had watched women’s golf on TV.
- Almost half (45%), and 60% of men, said that they generally prefer to watch men’s sport than women’s. One-in-10 had watched an LPGA Tour event compared to 25% who had watched a PGA Tour event.
- 58% of survey respondents agreed that women’s golf should have equal TV coverage to men.
- Regarding expert commentary, almost one in 10 said that the opinions of female pundits were less valid than those of their male counterparts.
PROFESSIONAL GOLF
- When asked about major golf tournaments, 55% of those surveyed said there should be a female version of the Masters. However, one in 10 men disagreed, arguing that the Masters should be a men-only competition. This view was most prevalent among survey respondents aged 55 and over.
- A quarter of those surveyed agreed that male professional golfers deserve to be paid more than female ones. This rises to 35% among male respondents.
John Woosey, founder of Golf Care, said: “What’s evident throughout our research is that, despite some solid progress being made regarding attitudes towards women in golf and wider sport, true parity is still a long way off. Championing positive role models, pushing for greater visibility, and delivering more output on TV will all support the advancement of women’s golf across the UK.”
To check out the full report, click here.