LGBT 🤝🏼 Golf

Outside the USA, the world’s first and only LGBT+ golf group led by an openly gay male PGA Professional

Why?

Little/no representation, coupled with a poor public perception of golf and lack of openness within the sport, are some key factors that keep many LGBT+ people at bay (including myself at times).

As a coach, I strive to make every client feel welcome, heard and respected, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. As a recently qualified PGA Professional, I want to make this clearer, and in time, build a community of LGBT+ players who can benefit from one another through friendship, competition and good ole community. This group is “LGBT Golf”. LGBT Golf will show future LGBT+ players who want to compete, or simply enjoy the game; they are welcome and can thrive. 

Where LGBT Golf (formerly Inclusive Golf) began

In late 2019, Golf Ireland reached out, to see if I would be interested in coaching a group of youth golfers with additional needs. I remember receiving the call whilst walking around the large Tesco’s in Maynooth, wondering how I would manage with no experience in such an environment. I was cautious, but after multiple training days, alongside my PGA and Life Coaching experience, I was ready to make golf accessible to more people. In January 2023, Kildare’s first Inclusive Golf group was successfully launched!

This coaching was an incredibly rewarding and grounding experience. Providing a fun and safe environment; to meet new peers, compete or simply be seen as equal, made a significant difference to these people’s lives. You can find out more on my “Inclusive Golf” podcast – click here to listen now.

Moving Forward

Moving forward, the focus will be on a severely underrepresented cohort in golf that is close to my heart; the LGBT+ community. After coming out to the world in 2012 as a gay man, whilst on the Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarship at Maynooth University, I experienced many challenges and benefits golf has to offer this (still) largely untapped community.

Whilst doing my PGA training at Naas GC, I found great success and enjoyment in running Inclusive Golf for people with additional needs and numerous women’s golf programmes. Many of their challenges were relatable, and are always welcome to join any LGBT Golf event going forward.

Why Join LGBT Golf?

Having a PGA Professional at the helm, who has competed and coached at all levels, in multiple sports, and comes from within the LGBT+ community; you can rest assured the group will be led with compassion and a vision for improvement.

You can look forward to regular trips to exciting venues, competitions, coaching, social events and much more – together we’ll shape a brighter, stronger and inclusive future for golf.

Get In Touch

To register your interest, email me directly by clicking: gary@garyshawgolf.com.

For further updates, keep an eye on the LGBT Golf website, my social media, and newsletter!