Empowering Women in Golf: Insights from Elisa Gaudet Women’s Golf Day Founder on Growing Women’s Golf, Building Community & Investing in Female Golfers How can the golf industry attract more women—and, just as importantly, keep them engaged in the game? In this episode of The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast, host Doris Muscarella welcomes Elisa Gaudet, founder of Women’s Golf Day, for an insightful conversation about the growth of women’s golf, the economic influence of female golfers, and why investing in women represents a significant opportunity for the global golf industry. With more than 26 years of experience in golf, including work connected with the PGA TOUR and Latin American golf, Elisa brings a global perspective to the conversation. She shares how her experiences led her to launch Women’s Golf Day in 2016 with a mission to bring the golf industry together and introduce more women and girls to the game. Today, Women’s Golf Day has developed into a global movement reaching more than 85 countries, demonstrating what can happen when golf facilities, organizations, brands, and communities collaborate around a shared goal. Creating a More Welcoming Golf Industry Elisa discusses why golf courses, clubs, resorts, and other facilities play a critical role in the growth of women’s golf. Introducing women to golf is only the beginning. The larger opportunity is creating an experience that encourages women to continue playing, develop confidence, build friendships, participate in events, travel for golf, and ultimately become long-term members of the golf community. Golf facilities can help bridge the gap between introductory clinics and actually playing the game by creating welcoming programs, social opportunities, and clear pathways for women to become active golfers. From Women’s Golf Day to a Global Movement What began as an initiative to unite a fragmented golf industry has grown into an international celebration of women and girls in golf. Elisa explains how Women’s Golf Day has evolved, including its expansion following COVID-19 and the increased use of digital engagement to connect golfers around the world. At its core, the mission remains straightforward: bring the industry together, introduce more women and girls to golf, and create opportunities for them to stay involved. As Elisa explains, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Marketing to Women vs. Investing in Women One of the most important discussions in this episode is the difference between simply marketing to female golfers and genuinely investing in women. Women represent an influential consumer market whose purchasing decisions extend far beyond green fees and golf equipment. Their impact touches golf travel, resorts, real estate, apparel, wellness, hospitality, instruction, memberships, events, and lifestyle experiences. For golf businesses and destinations, engaging women should not be viewed as a short-term marketing campaign. It is a long-term business and growth strategy. “Investing in women is a long-term business strategy.” — Elisa Gaudet Representation and Giving Women a Voice Doris and Elisa also discuss the importance of having women represented in the conversations and decision-making processes shaping the future of golf. Growing women’s participation requires more than attracting players. Women need opportunities to be heard as golfers, consumers, executives, entrepreneurs, instructors, industry professionals, and leaders. Creating meaningful progress requires collaboration—and ensuring that women have a voice at the table. In This Episode, You’ll Discover How and why Elisa Gaudet created Women’s Golf Day How Women’s Golf Day grew into a movement spanning more than 85 countries Why collaboration across the golf industry is essential to growing women’s participation How golf courses and clubs can convert introductory clinics into long-term participation Why community, belonging, and experience influence golfer retention The difference between marketing to women and investing in women The growing economic influence of female golfers and women consumers Why female representation matters in golf-industry leadership and decision-making Opportunities for golf courses, resorts, destinations, brands, and businesses to better serve women What the future of women’s golf could look like when the industry works together Key Takeaways Collaboration drives growth. Golf organizations and businesses can accomplish more by working together rather than competing for the same female audience. Retention matters as much as recruitment. Introducing women to golf is only the first step. Creating welcoming experiences and communities helps turn beginners into lifelong golfers. Women are an economic growth opportunity. Female golfers influence spending across golf, travel, fashion, hospitality, wellness, real estate, and lifestyle categories. Representation matters. Sustainable progress requires women to participate in the decisions shaping golf’s future. Investment must be authentic. Women can distinguish between a temporary marketing campaign and a genuine commitment to their participation, experience, and success. Memorable Sound Bites “A rising tide lifts all boats.” “Investing in women is a long-term business strategy.” “Unite women in golf like a foursome to win together.” Listen & Join the Conversation Whether you are a female golfer, golf-course operator, golf industry executive, golf travel professional, golf brand, instructor, entrepreneur, or advocate for women in sports, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of golf’s greatest opportunities: creating an industry where more women and girls can discover the game, feel welcome, and remain engaged for a lifetime. 🎙️ Listen to The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast with Doris Muscarella and join our mission of Giving Women a Voice in the Golf Industry. Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who believes in the future of women’s golf.
