New age

Lowered age requirements by some state golf associations for their mid-amateur championships is helping to keep young women golfers in the game. Photo: Scott Halleran, USGA
There is a very important trend just starting to take shape among state golf associations that could have a dramatic impact on golf participation by younger women.
The trend is for state golf associations to lower the eligibility age for the women’s state mid-amateur championship from the traditional 25 to 22 or 23. It began in 2019 when the Florida State Golf Association started tinkering with the mid-amateur entry criteria, and it is having a  positive impact on participation by recent college graduates.
The issue driving this is simple. Women coming out of college who choose not to pursue a career in the professional game have been left in limbo until they turn 25. Absent a reason to remain competitively sharp, often the player will drift away from the game. Getting her to return at 25 can be difficult.

There are already several hurdles for female mid-amateur p...