Gay golfers

The beauty of this game is that the golf ball has no idea who’s hitting it and doesn’t care who you are, and that’s kind of beautiful.

I’ve seen real progress. Without it, golf may inadvertently project an image of being unwelcoming and exclusive to individuals that identify as queer – and that’s a huge disservice to the sport.

From Fairways to Freedom: LGBTQ+ Golf History

From exclusive country clubs and strict dress codes to the long-standing traditions and etiquette around golf, the sport remained uptight and conservative for many of its early years.

That probably didn’t happen much in the past, and I thought that was a huge step in the right direction. The golfing community has been working to break down barriers, increase accessibility, and create more welcoming environments for people from all backgrounds and identities.

In honor of Pride Month in June, let’s take a look at some of the historic achievements made by the LGBTQ+ community in golf.

Why is it important to acknowledge diversity in golf?

Anecdotal evidence throughout history has shown that when diverse identities are represented in golf, those that resonate can become engaged in the support at a large scale.

They help create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ golfers, allowing them to enjoy the sport and connect with like-minded individuals.

Teeing Up Pride: Attend the TeeHC Open

The history of the LGBTQ+ community in golf reflects a broader societal shift towards greater acceptance and understanding. There are a lot of connections to life in golf.

My sisters, maybe not so much. The industry has struggled with diversity and inclusivity, both in terms of race, gender, and sexual orientation.

For instance, country clubs often have strict membership criteria. Outsports Golf

Outsports is a leading LGBTQ+ sports publication, and they have a dedicated section for golf.

Most of our kids start working with us one-on-one when they’re in sophomore year of high school.

Related

Gay golf pro says his sport’s culture continues to be ‘straight,’ ahead of The Masters

Greg Fitzgerald is a golf pro in the San Francisco Bay area who has hosted a Major. National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

The NGLCC is an organization that supports LGBTQ+-owned and -operated businesses.

I felt like when I stopped playing professional golf, I had to buy hoodies because I didn’t really have anything for winter.

Outsports: When you were coming out, did you feel that this would be a hindrance for you in the realm of sports? 

JP van der Walt: I was fearful of it being a hindrance, and I was fearful that coming out would be a distraction.

It challenges you mentally, it challenges you physically, and it helps you deal with those adversities out there.

When I was coaching, I would prefer seeing a kid play poorly the day I was watching them and recruiting them, because I would get a really good picture of what they’re like when they’re struggling. It was always in the back of my mind — When I finished college golf, I was like, “At what point do I actually become me?”

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Gay former college golfer is making his sport a more welcoming place for LGBTQ athletes

Gay golfer Chris Noble knows the power of coming out in sports.

Organized by Greg Fitzgerald, the first out, gay male PGA teaching pro, the inaugural event was one of the first LGBTQ+ fundraising events in the sport of this caliber.

The San Francisco Pride Pro-Am Golf Tournament has since gone on to have four successful tournaments, with the fifth likely being hosted in October 2023.

That same year, the Ladies Professional Golf Association has been actively promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion.

My brothers and I are all sports fans. They are the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses.

While not exclusively focused on golf, the NGLCC promotes diversity and inclusion in all aspects of business, including the golf industry.

Here are a few notable ones you can support and explore:

1. Why not drag bingo? Absurd, right?

As a result, even today, the sport is predominantly white male-dominated and has had limited representation from minority groups, such as those from the LGBTQ+ community. Golf, tennis, rugby and cricket, and all the traditional sports — I was just exposed to all of it.

Outsports: What is it about golf specifically that intrigues you?

JP van der Walt: The challenge that comes with it.