The Grass Ceiling: An Investigation into What Drives Gender Exclusion in Golf.

This article examines the gendered dynamics of golf as a business networking tool, focusing on how tokenism, statistical discrimination, and social closure perpetuate barriers to women's full participation in both leisure (L-Golf) and business golf (B-Golf) settings. Despite growing diversity and increased female participation, women remain underrepresented—comprising only 26% of golfers and 29% of C-suite executives—with many reporting discrimination and perceiving golf as less accessible than men. Survey data from 323 business professionals reveal that women experience greater exclusion and lower perceived professional benefits from golf, while structural factors such as access, time availability, and discriminatory practices significantly influence attitudes toward the sport. The study recommends eliminating symbolic gendered practices (e.g., gendered tee boxes), investing in early golf education for women, improving facility accessibility, and promoting inclusive off-course golf environments to foster equity and inclusion in golf’s cultural and professional spheres.