The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is Give To Gain – a campaign championing generosity, collaboration and collective progress.
It calls on individuals and organisations to support women in meaningful ways at work, at home and in their communities.
Give To Gain's messaging emphasises the power of reciprocity and support and you can get involved by contributing financial donations, fundraising, volunteering, and learning about the impactful work of IWD Giving.
Built around practical actions to advance women, the values of Give To Gain have been brought to life across the golf industry by a range of PGA Members through coaching, mentoring and leadership.
We spoke to several of them about why these principles matter and how their work exemplifies this year’s International Women’s Day’s campaign.
Pictured left/middle: Sports Science Lead Lewis Clarke
Give respect
Lewis Clarke - Sports Science Lead at the PGA National Training Academy
“My research promotes respect by treating the female golfer as a high-performance athlete with specific physiological requirements.
“By collaborating with the Ladies European Tour and the R&A, we are highlighting that women’s golf deserves its own dedicated science, not just a 'shrunk and pinked' version of male research.”
Give visibility
Sally Hinton - PGA Fellow Professional at Close House and coaches the Northumberland County Girls and Ladies teams
“I regularly use social media to share photos of the women's and girls' sessions I deliver at Close House. It's so important for sessions to be visible.
“I believe you have to ‘see it to be it’. If women and girls can see other people similar to themselves playing golf they will be more likely to have a go.”
Pictured: PGA Fellow Professional Sally Hinton
Give knowledge
David Patrick – PGA Professional and Scottish Golf Women’s National Coach
“One of the key philosophies I use with the national team is the Self Determination Theory. Simply put, if your autonomy, competence, and relatedness are met, then your intrinsic motivation is increased.
“Playing for the love of the game and pursuing mastery is key to creating lifelong learners who stay in the game. Due to females often being isolated and lacking peers, it is imperative that they feel like they belong when stepping into squads and groups.
“We work hard to ensure there is a feeling of connection and sense of belonging with their teammates.”
Give protection
Hannah Crump - PGA Professional at Stonebridge Golf Centre
“Create environments where women feel psychologically safe to learn, to ask questions and make mistakes without judgement.”
Pictured: PGA Coach David Patrick
Give mentoring
David Patrick
“One of the pleasing aspects of the last couple of years is seeing some of the ex-National Team players embarking on their PGA training. Females should feel they have as many pathways as possible in their sport to pursue a career.
“One of the key ways to grow female participation is for girls to have more access to female coaches. Seeing someone who can relate to you and be a great role model encourages people to stay in a sport.”
Give workshops
Georgia Ball – PGA Coach and social media personality
“Most of my coaching is through digital programmes and structured plans, so I design them to feel supportive and easy to follow.
“I try to avoid overcomplicating things. Clear steps, realistic goals, and lots of encouragement. I always try to focus on the small wins because confidence is everything when you’re starting out in any sport.”
Pictured: PGA Professional Alan Tait
Give opportunities
Alan Tait – PGA Professional and founded the Scottish Amateur Women’s Tour
“I was browsing through Scottish Golf’s website, and I was dismayed at how little playing opportunities there was for women and girls.
“There was plenty of events for the male golfers, but not so much for the females. Scotland is the Home of Golf, and I felt more could be done to boost the women’s game.
“Since starting the tour, I’m inundated with venues wanting to host.”
Give safety
Lewis Clarke
“I believe safety is built on a foundation of 'Professional Empathy'. While my research is quite clinical and data-driven, I am aware that topics like breast health can be sensitive for players and coaches alike.
“Best practice isn't just about delivering facts, it’s about creating an environment where the athlete feels respected. I teach coaches that professionalism can be the bridge between sensitivity and science. We don't avoid the topic because it's sensitive, we approach it with care because it’s important for their safety and performance.”
Give training
Eve Clarke - Junior Golf Development Officer at Sussex County Golf
“Making contact with the ball and getting the ball in the air (are fundamentals).
“Making sure we use the language you would understand, so you can walk away and it stays relevant to you. Games help you to walk away feeling like you have achieved something.”
Give momentum
Hannah Crump
“Build long-term communities, not one-off events. Sustainable pathways are what truly advance women in golf.”
Pictured: PGA Professional Hannah Crump
Give role models
Sally Hinton
“Another important factor for promoting women and girls golf is the use of role models. This could be a female PGA Professional or in the case of junior coaching, an older girl who can inspire the younger groups.
“I often invite older girls to help as volunteers for the girls group coaching. This is great as the group participants can see girls of a similar age engaged in golf.”
Give growth
Georgia Ball
“I receive daily messages from golfers all over the world saying they’ve picked up a club for the first time after watching my content which I’m extremely grateful for.
“Some join local golf clubs, some just head to the range and play socially with friends or family. At the same time, I get just as many messages from people improving their game or getting back into golf after many years away which is also lovely to see.
Pictured: PGA Coach Georgia Ball
Give access
Hannah Crump
“Offer flexible formats in group coaching, such as social play, roll-ups, and competitions, so there are genuine opportunities to play and progress.
Give time
Eve Clarke
“I buddy participants up in the stations and bring them in groups to explain things and I spend time with each pair to help them.
“I find that buddying creates an environment for chat. They are more chatty on the golf course I have noticed!”
