The Ultimate Guide to Lady Golf Tourism

Lady golf tourism is more than simply hitting a ball on a pristine fairway; it’s a lifestyle, a journey, and an opportunity to merge sport with culture, leisure, and personal growth. Whether you are a passionate player seeking competitive challenges or a leisure golfer looking for a beautiful escape, the rise of female golfers worldwide has redefined how golf tourism is experienced. In this guide, we explore the influence of lady golfers, the history and icons who shaped the game, luxury travel experiences tailored for women, and why Vietnam — especially Hanoi — is quickly becoming a destination to watch for female golfers.

The Rise of Lady Golf Tourism

Golf tourism was once dominated by men’s groups and corporate events, but over the past decade, women have taken an increasingly visible role. Lady golf tourism has emerged as a vibrant niche where travel is not just about the sport but also about meaningful experiences that blend culture, wellness, and connection.

 

The Female Golf Travel Trend

The growth is driven by the visibility of female golf icons inspiring more women to take up the game, the expansion of luxury travel experiences that cater to women’s interests beyond the greens, and the rise of golf communities designed specifically for female players. For many women, a golf trip is as much about exploring a destination, enjoying a spa day, or sharing a sunset dinner with friends as it is about lowering a handicap.

Why are more and more women traveling for Golf?

The shift is fueled by better representation in professional tournaments, luxury resorts tailoring packages to female guests, and an emphasis on creating social, fun, and supportive environments. Lady golf trips are often designed with flexibility in mind — giving players time to enjoy the greens and also indulge in spa days, wine tours, and shopping excursions. The result? Golf vacations that feel less like rigid sports tours and more like holistic getaways.

 

A Brief History of Female Golf

The story of women’s golf reaches back centuries.

Early Beginnings

In the 16th century, Mary Queen of Scots was recorded playing golf, earning her the affectionate title of “the Mother of Golf.” Yet it wasn’t until the late 19th century that organized women’s golf began to take shape.

From Informal Play to Organized Competitions

While men’s golf had formalized rules as early as the 18th century, women’s participation was often informal and socially restricted. It wasn’t until 1894 that the United States hosted its first Women’s Amateur Championship at the Meadow Brook Club in New York.

The Birth of Women’s Golf Clubs

In 1867, the Ladies’ Golf Club of St Andrews was founded, becoming the world’s first women’s golf club. The first British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship took place in 1893, marking a new chapter for competitive female play.

Breaking Barriers

In the 20th century, trailblazers like Glenna Collett-Vare dominated amateur golf, winning six U.S. Women’s Amateur titles, while pioneers in Europe fought for equal access to prestigious courses. By the late 1900s, female professional tours were firmly established, and women’s golf was earning its rightful place on the global stage.

Professional Women’s Golf

In the United States, the Women’s Professional Golf Association was established in 1944, followed by the creation of the LPGA in 1950. Since then, female golfers have broken records, challenged stereotypes, and carved out a lasting space in a sport that once resisted their presence.

Best Female Golfers of All Time

Some female golfers have achieved such excellence that their names are now etched into the history of the sport.

Legendary Champions

Annika Sörenstam is often hailed as the greatest female golfer ever, with an astonishing 72 LPGA titles and ten major championships. Lorena Ochoa, from Mexico, dominated her era and held the world number one spot for 158 consecutive weeks. Karrie Webb, 

 

Australia’s most decorated female golfer claimed seven majors, while Inbee Park from South Korea became a legend for her unique putting style and seven major wins.

Modern Stars

Lydia Ko, from New Zealand, became the youngest player — male or female — to reach world number one at just 17 years old. Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand made history as the first player from her country to win a major, while Jin Young Ko’s remarkable consistency has earned her multiple LPGA Player of the Year titles.

The Female Golf Hall of Fame

The World Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the sport’s greatest contributors, and among its inductees are some of the most influential women in golf history.

 

Pioneers of the Sport

Babe Zaharias, a multi-sport Olympic gold medalist turned golf champion, brought a fearless athleticism to the game. Se Ri Pak sparked a golf revolution in South Korea, inspiring countless young girls to pick up a club. Nancy Lopez, with her charismatic personality and dominance in the 1970s and 80s, became one of the sport’s most beloved ambassadors.

For many aspiring lady golfers, learning about these icons — or visiting the Hall of Fame itself — offers both inspiration and a sense of connection to a rich heritage.

Influential Inductees

Kathy Whitworth, who holds the record for most professional tournament victories — 88 in total — remains a benchmark of excellence. Mickey Wright, often compared to Ben Hogan for her swing, dominated women’s golf in the 1960s. Sandra Haynie earned respect for her mental toughness, winning four majors despite fierce competition.

These women not only collected trophies but also challenged cultural perceptions, paving the way for today’s lady golfers.

What Makes Lady Golf Tourism Unique

Lady golf tourism stands apart because it prioritizes both the game and the overall travel experience.

Beyond the Scorecard

Trips are often designed to balance days on the course with cultural activities, shopping excursions, or wellness retreats. Scenic beauty is an essential ingredient, with many female-focused tours selecting courses not just for their challenge but for their views. Travelers often form lasting friendships through small-group itineraries, where the shared passion for golf is matched by the joy of discovering new places together.

Curated Experiences for Women

Women-focused golf trips often include custom coaching sessions, evening social events, and wellness components like yoga or meditation retreats. Organizers also select destinations where safety, hospitality, and quality are top priorities, ensuring that travelers can relax both on and off the course. It’s a holistic approach that values the journey as much as the sport.

Vietnam: An Emerging Paradise for Lady Golfers

Vietnam has quickly risen on the global golf tourism map, offering a mix of championship-level courses, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Golf Course Excellence

Designed by legends like Greg Norman and Luke Donald, many of Vietnam’s courses combine strategic layouts with natural beauty, making them perfect for players of all levels. For female golfers, the appeal lies in the blend of comfortable climates, luxurious resorts with spa facilities, and opportunities to immerse in the country’s rich culture.

Hanoi Golf: Where Tradition Meets the Greens

Each location offers its own charm — from panoramic lake views to lush mountain backdrops. Off the greens, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, French colonial architecture, and diverse food scene invite exploration. You might spend the morning playing 18 holes, the afternoon in a scenic café overlooking Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the evening indulging in fine Vietnamese dining.

 

Courses such as Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club, Van Tri Golf Club, and BRG Legend Hill Golf Resort offer varied designs, from parkland-style fairways to hilly championship layouts. Many are just 30–60 minutes from the city center, making it easy to combine golf with Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene, evening water puppet shows, and walks around the historic Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Planning Your Lady Golf Trip to Vietnam

Planning the perfect lady golf trip to Vietnam starts with choosing the right season.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn, from September to November, and spring, from March to April, offer the most comfortable weather for play. Many travelers choose to combine their golf days with spa treatments, cooking classes, or creative workshops such as Vietnamese cologne-making. Smaller group sizes ensure a more personalized experience, and tailor-made itineraries can easily include both championship golf and leisurely exploration.

 

Lady golf tourism is a celebration of sport, culture, and community. It honors the history of women who paved the way, celebrates the champions who inspire us today, and opens the door to experiences that go beyond the course. Vietnam, with its rising reputation and perfect mix of golf and leisure, offers female golfers a destination where every round comes with a story — and every journey leaves a lasting memory.