2027 marks four important milestones in the history of women’s golf
- 160 years since the first Ladies’ Golf Club was formed at St Andrews in September 1867, with appointed office bearers, agreed rules and an organised playing calendar.
- 160 years since the club’s first Ladies’ Medal Competition on Saturday 5 October 1867, when 22 women played three rounds of the newly designed 11-hole course in front of an engaged audience of men and women.
- 100 years since the Ladies’ Golf Union recorded its 1,002nd affiliated club in February 1927, representing more than 100,000 women golfers.
- 10 years since the Ladies’ Golf Union merged with The R&A in 2017, bringing 124 years of independent women’s golf governance to a close.
Recognise the milestones. Share your club’s story.
In 2027, clubs around the world are invited to recognise these milestones and explore their own place in the history of women’s golf.
Through 160 Years of Women’s Golf, clubs can discover, preserve and share their women’s golf story with current members — and with the generations who will follow.
One Shared History. Many Club Stories.
Every golf club has a story.
Women’s golf was not built in one place, by one organisation or by a handful of famous players.
It was built in golf clubs and communities by women who
- Played
- Competed
- Organised
- Volunteered
- Formed friendships
- Created opportunities for others to take part.
Many of those stories remain in club records, photographs, trophies, minute books and, importantly, in the memories of members.
Every club has its own part in that history.
The story may be found in championship records and trophies, but equally in the women who joined, the competitions they created, the teams they formed, the committees they served on, the friendships they made and the opportunities they created for those who followed.
Every club story adds another piece to our shared history.
Discover
Find the women, competitions, photographs, trophies, records and memories that form your club’s story.
Share
Your club’s story doesn’t need to be complete.
Start with what you know, share what you discover and allow the story to grow as more people contribute.
Recognise
Bring your club’s past, present and future together during 2–10 October 2027.
Create something that reflects your club and recognises the women who played, competed, organised, volunteered and created opportunities for those who followed.
Add Your Club
Be part of 160 Years of Women’s Golf and add your club to the Global Participation Record.
Whether you are just beginning to explore your club’s history or already have a story to share, you can take part.