Girls' golf and the gender gap

Abstract

A disparity of 10:1 exists in the participation rates of male and female junior golfers in New Zealand. This thesis provides a profile of the golfing participation of a sample of young women in the Greater Wellington area. It explores the possible explanations for the male/female disparity by examining the experience, perceptions and attitudes towards golf of young women. The research involved quantitative and qualitative stages. Issues were analysed within a relational feminist framework which acknowledges the complexity of the interrelationship of the themes generated in both stages of the research. Golfers and non-golfers were involved in the research in order to identify the factors affecting: motivation to begin playing golf; motivation to continue playing; and motivation to cease playing. Key findings included: confirmation of the low level of golf club membership amongst young women; the identification of a large population of young women who played golf but were not affiliated to any golf club; the lack of awareness of golfing opportunities offered to girls in schools. The qualitative research highlighted the importance of sociological factors in early childhood socialisation to sport. The influence of parents in early introduction to golf was recognised. 'Image' was a very important de-motivating factor for those who did not play golf and this was related to issues of peer approval and self-concept. Young New Zealand women believe golf has an image as a male game and an older person's game. This image is not consistent with the physiological, psychological and sociological needs of many adolescent women.