The New Girls’ Getaway? 5 Myths About Women’s Golf Holidays Debunked

Women are becoming an increasingly important audience for golf, accounting for 33% of adult golfers in Great Britain and Ireland. But the growth of the sport is also impacting what women want from a golf holiday.

Our latest data shows that female group bookings of eight or more have increased by 7% in 2026, while women now account for almost a fifth (17%) of Golfbreaks customers.

Women are also travelling further for their golf holidays, booking 7.3% more mid-haul travel and 3.2% more long-haul travel than men. They spend an average of £105 more per paying passenger, with 67% ranking hotel quality among their top three booking priorities.

These findings challenge some of the outdated assumptions about women’s golf holidays. From the idea that you need to be an experienced player to book a trip to the belief that women only want budget-friendly breaks, the modern girls’ golf trip is about much more than time on the fairway.

As female golf travel continues to evolve, our team explores five common myths about women’s golf holidays and what the research really tells us.

• Myth 1: Women’s golf holidays are all about playing golf
• Myth 2: You need to be an experienced golfer to book a golf holiday
• Myth 3: Women are looking for the cheapest golf break
• Myth 4: Women want a party holiday
• Myth 5: An all-female golf break means staying close to home

While golf remains an important part of the trip, our research shows that the social experience is equally significant for many women.

Rather than focusing solely on the course, female golfers are increasingly looking for destinations where they can combine golf with spa and wellness facilities, fine dining, wine tasting, beach clubs, outdoor activities, sightseeing and cultural experiences.

According to our most recent survey, 44% of female respondents said their ideal golf trip would involve playing with friends, while a further 28% preferred playing with family. Just 2.6% selected a competition or organised event as their preferred way to play.

Overall, 72% of women said they preferred travelling with friends or family, highlighting the importance of connection and shared experiences.

The modern girls’ golf trip is not just for those who have spent decades on the fairway.

Our research shows the female golf audience spans the sport’s entire journey, with 31% of female respondents having played for less than a year and another 31% having played for more than 20 years. This highlights the appeal of golf holidays to both newcomers and highly experienced golfers.

For groups who are not ready to commit to a full 18 holes, alternative formats such as nine-hole rounds, simulator golf and night golf can make the sport feel more approachable, shifting the focus away from performance and towards enjoyment.

For women new to golf, there are several ways to build confidence before booking a golf holiday:

1. Start by playing with friends. Playing with people you know can help remove some of the pressure to perform and make it easier to enjoy the social side of the game.
2. Play at your own pace. Try nine holes before committing to a full round, giving yourself time to become comfortable on the course.
3. Speak to our experts. Golf holidays can be tailored to different experience levels, so speaking to our experts before booking can help you find a trip that feels right for you.
4. Join female-led golf communities. Golf clubs, group trips and events can help you connect with other women and feel more confident.
5. Celebrate your progress. Improvements to your grip, swing, distance judgement and putting all contribute to developing your game over time.

The key is to choose a trip that suits your group's abilities and interests, rather than feeling that you need to reach a particular standard before booking.

While value for money is important, the research suggests that female golfers are also willing to invest in the wider holiday experience.

Some 67% of female golfers rank hotel quality among their top three booking priorities, compared with 59% of men. Women also spend an average of £105 more per paying passenger than men.

Rather than simply looking for the cheapest golf break, female golfers are weighing up the overall value of their holiday, with the combination of great courses, quality accommodation and memorable experiences all playing a part in their decision.

For many female travellers, the ideal golf trip is less about partying and more about relaxing and spending time together.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of female respondents said they would prefer a few quiet drinks after golf, while just 3% chose late nights and partying.

Instead, wellness, dining and relaxed social experiences are increasingly important parts of the trip. Women might enjoy a round of golf before heading out for dinner, visiting a beach club, relaxing during a spa treatment or exploring a vineyard for wine tasting.

Choosing a resort that offers a variety of experiences can help groups make the most of their time together, whether that means spending an afternoon by the pool or enjoying a leisurely evening after a day on the course.

Female golfers are increasingly willing to travel further afield to combine great golf with wider travel experiences.

Our internal data shows that women book 7.3% more mid-haul travel and 3.2% more long-haul travel than male customers. Dream long-haul destinations named by female golfers include South Africa, Mauritius and Florida.

These destinations offer far more than golf, from sandy beaches and wildlife to exceptional dining, wellness facilities and sightseeing.

For groups considering a longer trip, choosing a destination that combines quality golf with a variety of experiences can make the journey worthwhile.

From a closer-to-home break in Scotland to a long-haul escape in Mauritius or South Africa, these six destinations identified by Golfbreaks combine quality golf with the wider holiday experiences female golfers are seeking.

1. Penha Longa Resort, Portugal - Best for scenic golf and sightseeing With spa and wellness facilities, multiple restaurants and access to Sintra and Cascais, Penha Longa is ideal for combining golf with relaxation and cultural experiences.

2. La Cala Resort, Spain - Best for golf and wellness Located on the Costa del Sol, La Cala features three golf courses alongside wellness facilities and a range of sports and activities.

3. Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa, Scotland - Best for links golf and coastal scenery Combining iconic links golf with spa facilities and quality dining, Carnoustie is an option for those looking for a memorable golf break closer to home.

4. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Florida, USA - Best for golf and entertainment With championship golf, a full-service spa, swimming pools and a lazy river, this resort offers plenty to enjoy away from the course, with Walt Disney World Resort nearby.

5. Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius - Best for tropical luxury This five-star resort combines multiple à la carte restaurants, watersports and a tropical setting for a golf holiday that feels like a wider escape.

6. Pezula Nature Retreat, South Africa - Best for scenery and relaxation Located along the Garden Route, Pezula offers a tranquil atmosphere, a state-of-the-art spa and spectacular views.

The findings are based on research conducted by Golfbreaks and Golfshake, which surveyed 2,500 golfers in 2026.

The research explored golfers’ preferences, including how they like to travel, what they prioritise when booking a golf holiday and the experiences they want from a trip.