1552

First female golfer

Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland made up the term “caddie”, derived from the name “cadets” which she used to call her assistants. During the time that she reigned, the famous St. Andrews Links golf course was built.

1811

First known women’s tournament

Took place on January 9 at the Musselburgh Golf Club in Scotland for local fishermen’s wives to play.

1843

First golf club

It was initially formed as ‘The Ladies Club of St. Andrews’ but later changed to ‘The Ladies Putting Club of St. Andrews’. The club gained 500 members after struggling to do so for 19 years.

1900

First golf championship

Held at the Morris County Club in the US

1934

First professional female player

Helen Hicks signed a contract with Wilson Sporting Goods Company, marking her name in the history books. She was an amateur golf player and earned several wins in tournaments.

1950

Formation of the LPGA

The Ladies Professional Golf Association was founded by 14 women who wanted their female counterparts to have a platform to play professional golf.

2003

The first woman to challenge men

Babe Zaharias, one of the USA’s top female golf players, became the first woman to compete in a men’s golf tournament. Many men were against it, but this event marked a huge accomplishment that no other woman dared to do.