Golf was exported to the United States as a social game rather than a competitive one, making it a co-ed sport from its inception. Of course, it was far from gender neutral: women still wore constrictive outfits and serious female tournaments were scant. But golf as a competitive sport, and more specifically a women’s competitive sport, has come a long way.
Competitions like the US Open and PGA Tour have popularized golf as both a recreational activity and a spectacle. It has produced international superstars like Tiger Woods, and now it seems that the female players are actually trumping the men with their rampant triumphs. In particular, US player Cristie Kerr was just ranked number one in the Women’s World Golf Rankings after her victory at the 2010 LPGA Tour. Kerr’s victory may be seen not just as a personal one, but as one for American women and American golf followers alike.
Kerr is not the only American female golf player that has had recent success. In fact, shortly after earning her new title, she lost by a surprisingly large gap to Paula Creamer in the US Open. Up-and-comer Alexis Thompson, age 15, also placed high in the tournament, which is impressive for a young player. The international press is buzzing with acclaim and predictions of what this could mean for the future of women’s golf in the US. These triumphs, along with Kerr’s victory are sure to inspire more American female golfers to pursue their dreams as champions. Golfing opportunities, as well as women’s golf clothing, have evolved immensely since the days of floor-length A-line skirts and tight wool sweaters. Today, golf is no longer a means for demonstrating social status and shopping for a husband. On the contrary, it is a vehicle for female liberation and power.
The golf community as a whole is also sure to benefit from this triumph – or at the very least appreciate it. The US is proving its golfing ability to the rest of the world and earning respect from its competitors. Male golfers will also be motivated to try harder and, epitomizing the American competitive spirit, try to one-up the girls. Tiger Woods has secured the number one spot for almost the entirety of the last decade, which could mean one of two things: either he is unstoppable or the rest of the US competitors are only subpar. Perhaps, with a little motivation they will be eager to step up and finally prove to everyone the extent of their talent.
As Kerr pointed out in an interview, a ranking isn’t forever. She is going to have to work especially hard to maintain it, and her sudden success has probably inspired many women to enter the world of professional golf and many current golfers to step up their game. The same goes for the new US reputation. The newfound international respect will only last as long as a US player holds the number one spot. Now more than ever the nation’s golfers have their work cut out for them.
