Growing Women's Golf In India

Women’s participation is most vital for the growth of golf. They are the catalysts for bringing their families to the course, believes Mike Round, Director – Development, Ladies European Tour (LET). Mike on his maiden visit to the 6th India Golf Expo in Gurgaon illustrated the ways to generate interest among women, highlighted the importance of social media and revealed his intentions of bringing an LET Access Series event to the country. 

- Rohit Bhardwaj & Aman Misra

GDI: How has the LET used social media to help raise awareness about the tour?

MR: We recognised the way society is going and a lot of people are consuming their information through digital channels, often into the palm of their hand or a handheld device. In terms of getting our message out to the consumers, the fans, the spectators, to anyone who is interested in women’s golf - we have to make sure that we are moving with the times. We have invested a lot of time and effort in the last two years in our digital output. We have got a member of staff who is dedicated to looking after our digital media channels and content, and we have seen a very significant increase in the number of followers on Facebook and Twitter and even number of views on Youtube. We have also started an alumni Facebook group which allows former members on the LET to connect with each other. This will help in business opportunities thereby growing the women’s game.

GDI: There are many innovations today in the men’s game - for instance the Hero Challenge which is a one-hole shootout event. Has the LET considered such events to popularise the game amongst youngsters?