History of Golf For Women

Admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:14:50 +0000

Women’s golf had its emergence when Mary, Queen of Scots played the game in 16th century. However, the first known women golf tournament was held at Mussel burgh golf club in Scotland in between two fishwives in the year 1811. Women’s golf improved significantly in 1930s and numerous matches were conducted on both local and state levels.

Women’s Professional Golf Association was established in 1944 to organize and promote the game. However, WPGA could survive only for 5 years and from the experience Ladies Professional Golf Association was founded in 1950. The association opens a new era for women’s golf. Nowadays, women’s golf is experiencing its utmost boom. Many golfers are willing to take active part in tournaments.

Women’s golf has four major championships- Kraft Nabisco championship, LPGA championship, U.S women open and Women British Open. Though there are some other important events like Evian Masters, LPGA (Ladies professional Golf Association) does not recognize them as majors.

Kraft Nabisco championship is an official money event that exceeds $2 million. The tournament was founded by Dinah Shore in 1972 and was previously called Dinah Shore championship. The winner is awarded the green jacket of LPGA along with cash awards.

LPGA championship is the major women’s golf event. The winners of this event are automatically qualified for the Stanford Financial tour championship. The specialty of LPGA championship is that only professionals can take part in it as against U.S and British open where professional and amateur players can participate. However, the rule was relaxed in the year 2005 to allow then-amateur player Michelle Wie.

U.S open is conducted by USGA (United States golf Association). When compared to its male’s counterpart, U.S open has not gained enough recognition. The U.S women’s open is open to any professional or amateur player. There is no age limit for participation. In the event held in 2007, 12-year old Alexis Thompson was qualified to take part.The winners of other three major championships are automatically qualified to participate in U.S open.

Women’s British open is one of the leading events in women’s golf. It was founded by the Ladies Golf union in 1976. Since the sport did not receive any reputation in the past, the organizers found it difficult to get excellent golf courses to host the events. However, nowadays many link courses are ready to host British open. The golfers can get a place in the event in three ways. Most of the golfers are given exemptions and the important among them are the top 15 from the previous year’s Women British open., top 35from current year’s Ladies European tour and top 70 on the LPGA tour money list.

The non-exempt players are selected by final qualifying method. Along with these two ways, overseas qualifying is also allowed. Five places are allotted to top five entrants who won highest place in LPGA list. Women’s golf events have gained immense popularity and there are lot of enthusiasts who are keen to learn this game and explore their talents.

By: Kenneth Gorveski

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History of Golf For Women