For golf, sky is not even the limit!
The long standing acronym of golf as ‘gentlemen only ladies forbidden’ has plagued the reputation of the game as being strictly male oriented and chauvinistic.
However, women with their due effort and recognition have been able to make their own space and, to an extent, have been able to triumphantly introduce an element of feminism in the game.
Moreover, with Britain getting saturated with fairways, bunkers and all sorts of golf courses, it has become mandatory to invade and explore other frontiers where golf can effectively establish its foundation.
Hot grounds being eyed include China, India, Romania and even Ukraine that currently top the list of architects trying to construct more golf courses.
The development of golf as a sport in various other countries can comprehensibly be manifested from the fact that at present there are an estimate 17,000 golf courses in the US alone.
After the invasion of the financial crisis, construction ventures were shelved down to 119 in the year 2006. As disclosed by the National Golf Foundation, the number was estimated to be 398 in 2000.
Another hot spot, apart from Europe and America, discovered in recent times is the Middle East.
A region that has played a pivotal role in defining golf the Arab way, places like Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, are all venturing different projects related to the construction of golf courses to convert desert sand into green pastures.
However, even a greater aspect and dimension that has to be highlighted here is how will these numerous golf courses generate means for their ROIs?
The current demographic distribution of the game at least represents complete male domination in golf and out of these handful players, even a smaller chunk gets the opportunity to play the major events.
This implies that most of these golf courses will remain barren and deserted after they have reached completion.
It is important to understand that in order to populate these golf courses efforts, through which women can manifest their presence in the game, have to be explored.
It might seem surprising enough to state but legendary players like Tiger Woods are at the frontline when it comes to promoting and encouraging women in golf.
This can further be justified from his recent visit he paid to Asian countries, like China and Singapore, to inspire young female blood to take part in the game.
It is also important to mention here that it would be a misconception to believe that women in golf do not have an icon to look up to.
Women have always been a part of this game in various positive capacities, whether it was in the form of veteran Aussie golf player, Jan Stephenson, who consolidated golf as a tool with s*x symbolism, or the current World No.1 in women ranking, Yanni Tseng.
In addition to this, aspiring players like Michelle Wie also serve as an inspiration for others.
Apart from the name and fame that the game has to offer, golf is also accompanied by some juicy amount of money that sparkle any participant’s eye.
In the recently held US PGA Tour, the total prize money for the event was a whooping $280 million. This further manifests the increasing opportunities for sponsors to make way in golf events.
Last year HSBC hosted one of the biggest competitions in Shanghai, with a massive amount of prize money of $7million.
All these factors, on one hand, help in providing golf a strong foundational framework to establish in other countries.
While on the other hand, the provide opportunities to women to make and pave their way for occupying their position in the game.
Tags: