International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the expansive body of work that PGA Members do in shaping the future of women's golf.
The theme for IWD in 2026 is Give To Gain, which is a campaign championing generosity, collaboration and progress.
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.
Across coaching, mentoring, community-building and digital platforms, PGA Members are embedded in creating environments where women and girls feel welcomed, supported and able to thrive.
Mentorship, creating access and opportunities are central to growing participation and building confidence.
We asked a range of PGA Members to share why IWD matters to them and to give us a flavour of the great work they do in the field of women’s and girls’ golf.
Pictured: PGA Fellow Professional Sally Hinton
Sally Hinton, a PGA Fellow Professional who teaches at Close House and coaches the Northumberland County Girls and Ladies teams, is passionate about supporting fellow professionals and ensuring women feel supported throughout their careers.
“I believe supporting and championing fellow golfers and PGA Professionals is very important. Women are still in the minority when it comes to participation and careers in golf,” she said.
“I run a mentoring programme for female professionals to offer support and guidance in their day-to-day work and career progression.
“I try to create lots of opportunities for women and girls to participate in golf. This includes women-only and girls-only sessions which creates a safe space to learn.
“All of my women's group sessions include time for socialising before or after. Many of the ladies arrive early or stay after the sessions for coffee and a chance to chat.”
Pictured: PGA Coach Georgia Ball
PGA Coach Georgia Ball has built a vastly popular social media platform, sharing coaching videos and swing advice which is seen by her followers.
Ball explains how she approaches creating content that is easy to understand and how her approach can instil confidence in those who watch.
“It’s really about making golf feel simple and fun. A lot of beginner golfers just need to see that it’s okay to be new and that you don’t have to be perfect to start.
“I try to break things down in a really clear, practical way. Simple feels, simple drills, things you can actually try next time you’re at the range. If someone watches a video and thinks, “That makes sense, I can try that,” then that for me is the ultimate goal.
“Online platforms and social media remove a lot of barriers. You can learn at home, build confidence privately, and go to the course feeling more prepared.
“If my content helps someone feel less nervous about starting golf, stepping onto a range or joining a club, that’s a massive win. I’m just trying to make it feel more welcoming and normal for anyone who wants to give it a go!”
Pictured: PGA Member Alan Tait
In 2024, PGA Professional Alan Tait set up the Scottish Women's Amateur Tour, which is hosting just under 20 events in 2026. Tait even had to shut registration due to demand and the uptake of entries.
Having played professionally and achieved much in his amateur career growing up in Ayrshire, Tait’s passion for increasing opportunities is embodied by the tour.
“The idea came about three years ago. I was browsing through Scottish Golf’s website, and I was dismayed at how little playing opportunities there was for women and girls,” he said.
“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.
“The thing I’m most proud of is how this tour has become such a community. Handicaps range from +3 to 35, with an age variance from 16 years old to players in their late 60’s and early 70’s. There’s been so many new friendships made and players regularly meet up at their home clubs for a social game and lunch.”
Pictured: PGA Coach David Patrick
Having also had a glittering amateur career, and even playing in the 1999 Walker Cup, David Patrick is now Women’s National Coach for Scottish Golf and has been since 2024.
Based at Bruntsfield in Edinburgh, Patrick described how he has created opportunities for women’s golfers to compete and how to encourage participation.
“I created a 36-hole Women’s Open at Bruntsfield last year for low handicaps, which is a Scottish Golf OOM event. It was evident that there are not enough events in Scotland for our players to play in.
“This is particularly true in the summer months and often, events are during the week, restricting access to those who work. Giving people opportunities is critical if they are going to succeed.
“We want to give up-and-coming female PGA Professionals opportunities to get involved in the National Pathway. Female coaches act as relatable role models and there is evidence that girls with female coaches tend to feel more confident and are more likely to continue in their chosen sport. We now have Heather Macrae (PGA Professional) and a tremendous role model involved with the program as assistant coach.”
Pictured: Sports Science Lead Lewis Clarke
Lewis Clarke is the Sports Science Lead at the PGA National Training Academy and a professional doctorate student with the Research Group in Breast Health, exploring biomechanics of elite female golfers.
Given his professional background, Clarke explained how he encourages PGA Members and Coaches to approach sensitive topics within the women’s game to make sure participants feel respected.
“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.”
Pictured: PGA Professional Eve Clarke
Similarly, creating environments where women feel comfortable from the outset is central to PGA Professional Eve Clarke’s approach.
Clarke is the Junior Golf Development Officer at Sussex County Golf and runs a four-week beginner golf programme at Sedlescombe Golf Club, as part of the She Loves Golf Initiative.
Clarke explains how to allow women to enjoy coaching sessions by providing a welcoming atmosphere.
“Offer an experience in an environment that is relaxed, (such as) no strict dress code, and just active wear,” she said.
“I run a summer series to get on the golf course.
“I would like to work with the club to offer She Loves Golf Membership. That’s the bigger picture, to get them on the short course to make the game less daunting.”
Pictured: PGA Professional Hannah Crump
Hannah Crump is a PGA Professional at Stonebridge Golf Centre. She is involved in various initiatives in the women’s game. She believes visibility and representation are key to long-term change and suggests formats that women could adopt to settle into the sport.
“Representation matters. When women see female professionals and thriving communities, it reinforces that they belong here,” she said.
“You can offer flexible formats group coaching, social play, roll-ups, competitions - there are genuine opportunities to play and progress.”
