Swinging into Romance: How Golf could Be Your Secret Weapon in the Dating Game
You don’t have to be a pro—or even own a full set of clubs—to enjoy golf and meet new people. More women are stepping onto the course, and whether you’re here for the game, the friendships, or something more, golf is becoming a great way to connect.
For years, golf has been a game of skill and patience, but it’s also a social sport. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, build your network, or even go on a golf date, the course is a place where conversations happen naturally, and new relationships can form.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
“But Isn’t Golf a ‘Boys’ Club’?”
It’s true that golf has traditionally been male-dominated, and it can feel intimidating to be one of the few women on the course. But that’s changing fast. Golf is no longer just for businessmen and country clubs. More women, young adults, and casual players are picking up clubs, making the game more welcoming than ever.
The Numbers Tell the Story
- Women’s golf participation has grown by 1.3 million in the last five years.
- 40% of new golfers are women, meaning if you’re just starting, you’re in good company.
- More than half of all golfers play primarily for social reasons, not competition (NGF Report).
- Nearly 6 million golfers are between 18 and 34 years old, making it a great way to meet people in that age group.
- An additional 18.4 million people play golf at places like Topgolf, driving ranges, or simulators, showing that the game is about more than just the traditional course.
Why Golf is a Great Way to Meet People (Or Even Go on a Date!)
Unlike a sit-down date or a networking event where small talk can feel forced, golf gives you something to focus on while you chat.
- It’s a natural icebreaker – Talking about swings, shots, or strategy keeps the conversation flowing.
- It’s casual and stress-free – A round of golf gives you time to get to know someone without pressure.
- It mixes fun with a little competition – Whether you’re great at golf or just having fun, a little challenge makes it interesting.
- It’s a great way to see someone’s personality – Patience, humor, and temperament all come out during a round of golf.
- The social scene doesn’t stop when the game ends – Grabbing a drink or a meal at the clubhouse is the perfect way to wrap up the day.
One woman tested this idea by visiting different golf courses every weekend with a friend to meet new people. The result? Seven out of ten times, they exchanged numbers or landed a date. The casual setting made it easy to start conversations, and many men enjoyed sharing their love of the game.
How to Meet People Through Golf
Whether you’re looking for friendships, dating, or just a way to be more social, here are some easy ways to get started:
- Find a women’s golf event near you. Many courses host women-only clinics, social outings, and leagues that welcome new players. Learning the game in a relaxed setting will help you feel more prepared and confident on the course, making it easier to start conversations and naturally attract more interactions.
- Try a more casual setting. If a full course feels overwhelming, start at a driving range, par-3 course, or facility such as Topgolf.
- Don’t stress about being perfect. Most people play golf for fun, not competition. You don’t need to be good to enjoy it.
- Look for golf groups on social media. Facebook, Meetup, and Instagram have plenty of women’s golf groups where you can find local events.
- If you’re on a dating app, casually mention golf. Even saying, “I’m learning golf” can lead to a fun conversation or a golf date.
Golf can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone, build confidence, and enjoy new experiences.
Golf on Dating Apps: A New Kind of First Date
Golf is even making its way into online dating. Many women who mention golf in their dating profiles find that a common message they receive is:
“You play golf? We should go on a golf date!”
A golf date is more than just an alternative to the usual dinner or drinks. Over 12 million adults in the U.S. play golf socially rather than competitively, meaning they’re in it for fun, not just skill.
A golf date gives you time to talk, a shared activity to enjoy, and a relaxed setting to see how well you get along. And even if the date doesn’t work out, at least you got in some practice.
Final Thoughts: Golf is for You, Too
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to try golf, but I don’t know where to start,” now is the time.
With more women taking up the game than ever before, there’s no reason to feel like an outsider. Whether you’re looking for new friends, a fun way to spend a weekend, or even a date, golf is a great option.
So grab a friend, sign up for a clinic, or head to the range. Golf might just be your new favorite way to meet people.