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. Get...