The Rise of Women’s Golf in Southern California

How participation is booming, culture is shifting, and why SoCal is now the vibrant heart of the game.

By Clint Wood

If you’ve stepped onto a Southern California driving range lately, the view has changed. The sea of visors and polo shirts is no longer a "boys' club." From the short-game areas in Long Beach to the coastal greens of San Diego, women are claiming their space on the grass in record numbers.

This isn’t just a local observation—it’s a national movement with a SoCal epicenter. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), women now represent 28% of all on-course golfers in the U.S.—the highest proportion ever recorded. Nearly 8 million women are playing the game in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. Since 2019 alone, 2.3 million new female golfers have entered the game.

Why the "Boom" is Happening Now

The surge in participation isn't a fluke; it's the result of several industries finally aligning to welcome women.

The Fashion Revolution The apparel industry has finally stepped up. Brands like Lululemon, Malbon, Foray, and Birdie & Ace have replaced "shrink it and pink it" designs with high-performance, stylish gear that women actually want to wear. Golf fashion has become athletic, inclusive, and social-media-powered.

Tech-Forward Equipment Modern clubs are no longer just shorter versions of men's sets. Manufacturers like Callaway, TaylorMade, and XXIO are engineering clubs specifically for women's swing speeds. By focusing on lighter weights, higher-launch profiles, and maximum forgiveness, the industry has dramatically flattened the learning curve for new players.

The "New" Golf Culture The pandemic brought 800,000 women to the sport as a safe social outlet, and they stayed because the culture shifted. Courses and instructors are now intentional about creating women-friendly spaces, prioritizing women-only clinics, flexible tee times, and social-first environments over rigid traditionalism.

Southern California: The National Leader

SoCal has always been a golf powerhouse, but it is now the blueprint for how a region can foster a female-driven community.

Spotlight: The "Long Beach Model" Long Beach stands out as a success story. With accessible municipal tracks like El Dorado Park, Skylinks, and Heartwell, the city has created a "pipeline" that takes women from their first clinic to their first tournament.

Top Women’s Organizations in SoCal If you're looking to join the community, several groups are leading the way. The WSCGA (Women’s Southern California Golf Association) remains the gold standard for championships and scratch leagues. For those seeking a mix of social events and travel, the LPGA Amateur Golf Association (OC & LA Chapters) is a primary hub, while the SoCal Women’s Golf League offers a modern hybrid for weekly play on rotating courses.

The Power of Local Clubs The local scene is anchored by historic clubs with hundreds of active members. Courses like Torrey Pines in San Diego, Brookside in Pasadena, Rancho Park in Los Angeles, and Goose Creek in the Inland Empire host some of the most vibrant women’s communities in the state.

The Future Pipeline: Girls' Golf

The future of the game is being written by the next generation. Girls now make up over one-third of all junior golfers—a massive jump from previous decades.

SoCal’s year-round weather and elite junior academies have turned the region into a recruiting hotbed for NCAA powerhouses like UCLA, USC, Pepperdine, and San Diego State. Local standouts like Rose Zhang are proving that the path from SoCal junior golf to LPGA stardom is more visible than ever before. This visibility, combined with increased TV coverage and higher purses for the LPGA, has created a new generation of household names and role models.

A Beginner’s Roadmap: 5 Steps to the First Tee

If you’re a woman thinking about getting into the game, confidence starts with a plan:

• Start with a Women-Focused Clinic: These are designed to be supportive, affordable, and social.

• Get a Lesson Early: A single lesson on grip and posture prevents bad habits and builds immediate confidence.

• Practice with Purpose: Focus on putting and chipping first. Short-game success builds confidence faster than pounding drivers.

• Play 9 Holes First: It’s less intimidating, less time-consuming, and the perfect format for beginners.

• Join a League: This is where the real magic happens—community, accountability, and friendship.

The Future Is Female

Women aren’t just joining the game—they’re reshaping it. From more inclusive clubhouses to a healthier, more sustainable future for the sport, the "Female Future" of golf is already here. Whether you’re a scratch player or haven’t bought your first glove yet, the fairways of Southern California are open and the community is welcoming.

The momentum is only growing. There has never been a better time to step onto the course.

Connect & Play: Local Resources

Ready to join the community? Here are the most active hubs for women’s golf across the region:

• SCGA Women's Golf (Regional Hub) The primary resource for championships and community networking throughout Southern California. scga.org/womens-golf

• LPGA Amateurs - Los Angeles Chapter Serving the LA and San Fernando Valley areas with social events, clinics, and leagues. chapters.lpgaamateurs.com/home/chapter/CALA

• LPGA Amateurs - Orange County Chapter A high-energy hub for golfers in OC and the Long Beach area. chapters.lpgaamateurs.com/home/chapter/CAOC

• Torrey Pines Women’s Golf Clubs (San Diego) Features both a competitive 18-hole club and a dedicated 9-hole club for more social play. tpwgc.com / tp9club.com

• Rancho Women's Golf Club (West LA) One of the most historic and active women’s clubs in the heart of Los Angeles. ranchowomensgolf.com

• Brookside Women's Club (Pasadena) A vibrant community playing out of the beautiful Brookside Golf Club next to the Rose Bowl. brooksidegc.com

• Industry Hills Women’s Club (San Gabriel Valley) Ideal for women looking for high-caliber competitive play and a strong social bond. ihgolfclub.com