GENERAL MERCHANDISE NEWS

Data from American Golf has revealed that there are more women golfers than ever before despite a rainy summer setting back the average number of UK rounds played this year by almost a tenth.

The retailer has seen a 42% increase in sales of women’s package sets, which provide an all-in-one set of clubs most commonly bought by beginner golfers.

The rise in women’s participation is being supported by American Golf’s Game Changers campaign, which aims to make golfing more inclusive by celebrating new golfing trailblazers who are inspiring more people to pick up a club.

The retailer is using its platform to share the stories of some of golf’s most inspirational players including Mandi Large, one of the UK’s leading blind golfers, and Yvonne Brooke, founder of The Women’s Golf Lounge, a Facebook community with more than 13,000 members dedicated to encouraging participation.

American Golf has supported the group through exclusive discounts and sponsorships.

Stuart Middlemiss, chief commercial officer at American Golf, said: “Golf is a game for everyone and we’re incredibly excited to see such a huge increase in the number of women joining the game.

“Our mission goes beyond our investment into equipment – we want to support every aspect of the game for women, including making them feel great on the course.

“While we’re thrilled by the growth in clubs, we’re equally focused on expanding our range of women’s apparel. This increased demand has enabled us to expand the lines available for women golfers and to get those new products in more quickly.”