With Girls Who Golf, more than 200 women have formed a community of golfers to foster a welcoming environment in a male-dominated space.
Sports has long been known as a male-dominated space. Golf courses in the Philippines are no different, with country clubs and driving ranges often filled to the brim with men, with their peers and colleagues.
But as time goes on and sports like golf become more open to women, more and more female golfers are raring for time on the fairways.
Still, equality among genders is a way to go, especially in the Philippines.
To help themselves occupy more space in golfing venues all over the country, some 250 Filipina golfers have banded together to launch a community aimed at giving women more confidence to take on the greens.
Girls Who Golf is welcome to golfers across all levels – whether a girl is just starting out or is already a veteran out on the course.
Speaking to One Sports during the recent Alviera Longest Drive Championship over in Porac, Pampanga, Girls Who Golf expounded on what they want to achieve.
[READ: More to come for Pampanga sports community after Alviera Longest Drive Championship]
“We founded Girls Who Golf Manila because we saw that there is a need for a community for women who want to get started in the sport of golf. We want to create a safe space for you to discover your swing, to learn the sport, and have sisters on the fairway,” said GWG Committee Member Isa Dumandan.
Primarily in charge of holding community events to encourage women golfers across the country, GWG is also an avenue where women can grow their game without the fear of being judged.
Though she’s a beginner, Mairene Munoz, who is also a committee member, said that being with her fellow GWG members helped her develop her stroke faster than she could’ve ever done on her own – all while also getting encouragement from her fellow members.
“I’m a beginner and it really helped me a lot because they really hype me up. Actually, in two fairway games, my swing improved a lot. Like, they could just really tell. So if you’re a beginner, come join us. It’s open to all levels,” she said.
Officially launching as a group on Friday, August 29, GWG is hoping to get more golfers to join the cause.
With golf being one of the more intimidating sports to get started, especially without a community to hang on to, GWG is promising a space where each golfer will be able to play sans judgement and prying eyes.
“I think you should just go at your own pace, don’t compare yourself to others and find people who you’re comfortable with and you feel that you can grow with. That’s why it’s important to have communities like these,” said committee member Silvana Peters.
“You know, everyone started as beginners. Confidence is key. Just go out there, have fun. Make sure you’re with a good group of people who will always be there behind your back cheering you on,” added another member Annick Bunuan.
Competing as a group for the first time in Alviera, GWG won the team tournament.
Among other events organized by the group include play dates with members, and socials to promote community bonding.