Golf for women: why it works (and how to test it)

Why golf is becoming increasingly popular with women (and why it makes sense)

Let's be honest: for a long time, golf had the aura of an exclusive club where you had to "know someone" and wear something out of a movie. As a result, many women still say to themselves, "It's not for me.".

Except it's exactly the opposite. Golf is a skill sport, It's not a sport of strength. You don't need power, you need rhythm, timing, relaxation, and strategy.

Golf has an advantage that few sports offer: a visible progress. You see your swing evolve, your ball start straighter, your short game become more precise — and your brain loves it.

And unlike some "all or nothing" sports, golf is flexible:

• 30 minutes at the practice range? Yes.
• 9 holes at the end of the day? Yes.
• A group class on the weekend? Yes.

You choose your format, your rhythm, your vibe.

Women's golf is booming: what the evolution of the sport shows

Golf hasn't always been so open. In the 19th century, women's access to the courses was restricted, and it wasn't until the creation of dedicated associations—like the Ladies European Tour, founded in the late 1970s — so that professional women's golf could be sustainably structured in Europe.

This trend is now evident at the amateur level: clubs are seeing a growing proportion of female players among their new members, and federations are developing more and more programs designed for beginners (dedicated introductory sessions, short courses, equipment loans). This movement is not a passing fad: it reflects a real shift in how golf is perceived—less as an elitist sport, more as a wellness and performance activity accessible to all.

9 concrete benefits of golf for women

1) A sport that gets you moving without "breaking" you«

Golf involves walking, core strengthening, rotations, and mobility. If you're looking for a sport that tones your body without putting stress on your joints, it's an excellent choice. And if you start at the driving range, you can already work on your movement without exhausting yourself like you would on a trail run.

2) A mental boost: focus, calm, «reset»

You know that moment when your brain has twelve tabs open? Golf forces you to keep only one open: the ball, the target, the swing. The result: you often leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.

3) A trust that is established (and that remains)

Golf is a school of self-coaching: you learn to manage mistakes, to breathe, to decide, to adapt. This often spills over into your professional and personal life — more patience, more clarity, less self-sabotage.

4) A social sport, but not intrusive

You can come alone and still not feel lonely. Golf has this "I chat when I want to" aspect, without pressure.

5) Rapid progress at the beginning (which is motivating)

The first sessions are often very motivating: ball contact improves, trajectory is better understood, and consistency is established.

6) An activity that fits into a busy life

Golf is played in blocks: you can schedule 45 minutes at the driving range, a lesson, or a short round. No need to block out three hours each time.

7) Better posture and a more aligned body

The swing, when learned correctly, strengthens the core, stability, and coordination. With proper guidance, you won't "twist"—on the contrary, you'll feel stronger.

8) A real feeling of freedom outdoors

Playing outdoors, breathing fresh air, seeing greenery, walking: golf ticks boxes of well-being that many indoor sports do not achieve.

9) A sport that transcends generations

You can start at 25, 35, 45, or 55 and continue for a long time. It's one of the few sports where experience and strategy become a major advantage, regardless of your starting age.

The 5 misconceptions that (wrongly) prevent people from getting started

Common misconception #1: "I have to be strong/athletic"«

No. Golf is a sport of technique and consistency. You can hit the ball far with a smooth, clean swing, without forcing it.

Common misconception #2: "It's too expensive"«

That can be the case if you buy fourteen clubs and a complete wardrobe on day one. The smarter approach: start with borrowed equipment, then gradually buy more as you figure out what suits you.

Common misconception #3: "I'm going to look ridiculous"«

Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone has already hit a ball that rolls two meters. The right environment—practice, lessons, introductory sessions—is precisely designed for learning without judgment.

Common misconception #4: "I must know all the rules"«

You need three rules to start with, not three hundred. The goal at the beginning: to have fun and establish some reference points.

Common misconception #5: "I don't have time"«

Golf is one of the most easily broken-down sports: 30 minutes at the driving range is already a useful session.

How to start playing golf in Annecy without stress: a 3-step plan

Step 1: A "zero pressure" introduction«

Do you want the simplest version? Make a free golf initiation in Annecy : Discovery of the grip, posture, basic swing, first ball contacts. Objective: to leave with the feeling "OK, I can do it".

Step 2: Practice + a lesson to correct the basics

The number one pitfall for beginners: repeating an incorrect movement. The best method: a lesson to correct it, then practice to solidify it. You'll progress faster and avoid bad habits.

Step 3: Move on to the course, short format if possible

No need to start with 18 holes. A shorter format helps maintain energy and enjoyment. The goal: to learn to play "in real-life situations," not just hit balls.

Why practice is your best ally at the beginning

The Belvedere Golf practice This is where you build your foundations: you work on your ball contact, you understand your trajectory, you gain confidence — and you can practice even with only 30 to 45 minutes ahead of you.

No one judges you: everyone is focused on their own game. At Golf du Belvédère, in Saint-Martin-Bellevue near Annecy, the advantage is being able to train in a structured environment: a 250-meter training area spread over several levels, supervised lessons, and direct access to the 9-hole course to gradually move from "I'm testing" to "I'm playing".

The "Women's Golf Discovery Pack": the simplest format to get started

If you want a smooth start, here's the most efficient and least intimidating format:

• An introductory session (technique and first shots).
• Equipment loan included.
• Access to the practice area to continue immediately.
• As an option, a mini course or 9 guided holes for a first "real game".

You don't have to ask yourself fifty questions: you come, you test, you progress, and you quickly know if you're hooked.

Finding the right equipment: why fitting makes all the difference

Many women beginners buy their first equipment "at random," often choosing clubs that are too heavy or poorly suited to their body type and swing speed. However, an improperly fitted club directly hinders progress: less clean contact, inconsistent trajectories, and faster fatigue.

That's why a fitting—a personalized adjustment of the club to your size and swing—makes a real difference, even for a novice player. At Golf du Belvédère, this step is handled by Adrien and Julien in the Pro Shop, with a rare advantage: the possibility of validating the adjustment directly on the 9-hole course the same day, rather than relying solely on a simulator or in-store test.

Golf, a true career accelerator — without forced networking

Golf can certainly expand your network. But the real benefit lies in the quality of the interactions: you have time, you walk, you chat naturally, far removed from the "timed meeting" format. Even without a stated professional objective, it's a sport where you meet a wide variety of people, and where relationships are built effortlessly.

It's also one of the rare situations where a professional conversation can develop without seeming forced: between shots, on the way from one hole to the next, the discussion arises naturally. For a woman who wants to expand her network while pursuing an activity she truly enjoys, this is a rare double benefit.

An "anti-abandonment" method: staying motivated after two weeks

Golf has a classic pitfall: rapid progress at the very beginning, followed by a phase where you feel "unstable," as if everything that worked well the previous week has vanished. This is normal, even an expected stage of learning—and it can be managed.

• Simple objective : "to make better contact with the ball", rather than "to be strong".
• Realistic pacing : one lesson and one practice session per week is more than enough.
• Visible tracking Note one thing that improves at each session.
• Pleasure before perfection : you come to enjoy yourself, not to take an exam.

When is the best time to get started?

Good news: there's no "perfect time" to start playing golf, only perfect conditions. Spring and summer remain the most comfortable periods to discover the game outdoors, with longer days and milder weather around Annecy — ideal for combining introductory lessons, practice, and your first rounds without feeling rushed.

But there's nothing stopping you from starting earlier in the year with a lesson or practice session to get a head start on the basics: grip, posture, first swings. You'll then arrive at the start of the season already comfortable and ready to fully enjoy the course. For women who prefer a more structured progression from the outset, the’Belvedere Golf School also offers private and group lessons all year round, at a pace that suits you.