American Hole 'n One's Blog

Social media has become an undeniable force in our daily lives, particularly in the world of sports. In just the last few years, social media platforms like Instagram have witnessed a seismic shift in their usage among sports fans. What was once a space mostly populated with food pictures and pet videos has now become a thriving hub — and career opportunity — for influencers of all kinds, golfers included.

Fans have never been more connected to their favorite golfers, from catching behind-the-scenes glimpses into their training routine to getting real-time updates from tournaments. While the PGA and its athletes account for a good portion of social activity on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, U.S. women’s golf is starting to make waves of its own:

• The official LPGA Twitter account has over 315K followers
• The Tour’s Instagram account has close to 500K followers
• Women golfers on TikTok have racked up over 4M views

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how social media has influenced the realm of U.S. women's golf. We'll delve into the rise of Instagram influencers, who have quickly become game-changers (pun intended) in this digital era. We'll also explore how social media has become a powerful tool for women golfers to build their personal brands, especially in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Whether you're an aspiring golfer, a die-hard fan, or simply curious about the influence of social media in the world of sports, this blog is for you.

Fans Are Closer to the Game Than Ever Before

Since the first British Open in 1860, fans have always been a major part of golf. However, the way they follow the game and its players has never been more different.

Social media has revolutionized the way golfers interact with their fans, creating an unprecedented level of engagement and connection. Mainly on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, athletes now have a direct line of communication with their fans, bridging the gap between the fairways and the digital world.

Finally — no more waiting for post-tournament interviews or magazine features to get a glimpse of your favorite golfers. With social media, fans can now stay connected to them, on and off the links.

With such easy and direct access to golf, avid fans are able to consume more content across more mediums and discover more athletes. Social media isn’t just something for fans to observe either — it’s a two-way street of communication, where people can go from being mere spectators to active participants in any golfer’s journey. U.S. women’s golf has undoubtedly capitalized on this accessibility and openness to create a vibrant, strong community of fans and athletes alike.

Bringing fans closer to the action and providing them not only with behind-the-scenes glimpses, but also off-the-course content, makes the game itself more appealing and accessible.

Instagram Influencers Are on the Rise

Instagram has proved to be a dynamic platform for women golfers to curate their personal brands and gain a loyal following. Whether it’s highlights from a recent round or simply dinner out on the town, Instagram influencers provide fans with an up-close experience of their world.

We’ve seen individual U.S. women golfers gain popularity and followers like never before. Former pro Paige Spiranac has amassed 3.2 million Instagram followers. Current pro Nelly Korda is up to 674K Instagram followers. Aspiring pro Cailyn Henderson has 114K followers and counting. The list goes on and on.

The rise of Instagram influencers has not only transformed how women's golf is portrayed, but also opened up new avenues for sponsorships and partnerships. Through their influential presence on social media, these golfers have caught the attention of brands and sponsors who recognize the value of their engagement and reach. They have become ambassadors for golf equipment, apparel, and lifestyle brands — forging unique collaborations that benefit both parties.

Beyond showcasing their own achievements, these influencers are inspiring a new generation of women golfers. Instagram doesn’t just give them a platform to engage with their audience — it has the potential to kickstart a career outside of or in addition to golf.

Building Personal Brands

On that note, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for women golfers to shape their personal brands and tell their stories. In an industry historically dominated by men, the LPGA is starting to even the playing field from a financial standpoint. The LPGA is awarding $101.4 million in total prize money in 2023, more than double the total from 10 years ago. There’s still a long way to go, but women’s golf in the U.S. is becoming more mainstream.

Through the strategic use of social media, women golfers are taking control of their image and establishing their own unique identities. They share their stories, values, and passions, creating a connection with their audience that goes beyond the golf course. By showcasing their authenticity and showcasing their diverse interests, they are redefining what it means to be a woman in the world of golf.

One of the significant advantages of personal branding through social media is the ability to reach a wider audience. Women golfers can amplify their voices and showcase their skills to fans, sponsors, and industry professionals — no matter where they’re located. For example, women’s golf is huge in Asia right now, and for good reason. Asian women have captured 11 of the last 15 editions of the U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

Thanks to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, U.S. women golfers can connect not only with their local audience, but the entire world.

By leveraging social media platforms, women golfers aren’t just building their personal brands — they’re opening doors to lucrative opportunities. Sponsors and brands recognize the value of their engagement, authenticity, and reach, leading to endorsement deals, collaborations, and partnerships. 

In many ways, social media has been a great equalizer. It has allowed U.S. women golfers to monetize their talent and passion in ways that were previously inaccessible.

The Future is Bright for Women’s Golf

After topping $100 million in awarded prize money in 2022, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan had this to say:

“I don't think we feel like we're done. We feel like there's much more investment to be had in the women's game and we're passionate about getting that."

Women’s golf will only become more and more popular in the years to come, and social media will play a huge factor in its growth. At American Hole ‘n One, we couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead.

We are particularly proud to have been a steadfast partner of Backswing Golf Events, a non-profit organization spearheaded by professional women golfers. Through their initiatives and our collaboration, we have seen firsthand the transformative effect of supporting and empowering women in the game.

Looking ahead, there’s a lot to love about the future of women's golf and the endless possibilities it holds. The growth of social media, the emergence of influential figures, and the commitment of organizations like Backswing Golf Events are driving positive change and propelling women's golf to new heights. 

Together, let's continue to celebrate and uplift women's golf, forging a future where equality and excellence thrive on every fairway.