LGBT+ golf community, PGA-led
The world’s first LGBT+ golf platform outside California led by an openly gay male PGA Professional.
A welcoming golf community for LGBT+ people, led by openly gay PGA Professional Gary Shaw. LGBT Golf brings people together through inclusive events, coaching-led meetups and on-course play — helping golfers of all levels learn, connect, improve and feel more at home in the game.
LGBT Golf brings people together through inclusive events, coaching-led meetups and on-course play — helping golfers of all levels learn, connect, improve and feel more at home in the game.
Why LGBT Golf?
Little or no representation, poor public perception of golf, and a lack of openness within the sport are some of the key factors that keep many LGBT+ people away from the game — including myself at times.
Golf gave me so much growing up. It shaped me, challenged me, and became a huge part of my life. But as a gay man, I also know what it can feel like to be in a space where you are not always sure whether you fully belong.
LGBT Golf exists to change that.
It is a community built around connection, inclusion and professional coaching — a place where LGBT+ golfers can meet others, improve their game and feel welcome without having to explain who they are.
This is not just a social golf group. LGBT Golf is professionally led, grounded in lived experience, and built from a belief that golf can be more open, more visible and more welcoming while still respecting the game.
The aim is simple: to help more LGBT+ people feel at home in golf.
Where LGBT Golf Began
LGBT Golf grew from my wider work in inclusive coaching.
In 2022, I launched Inclusive Golf in County Kildare — a Golf Ireland-supported programme providing structured, supportive coaching for young golfers with additional needs.
I remember receiving the original call from Golf Ireland while walking around Tesco in Maynooth, wondering how I would manage in an environment I had little experience in at the time. I was cautious, but after multiple training days, my PGA training and my life coaching background, I felt ready to create something that could make golf more accessible to more people.
That experience was incredibly rewarding and grounding. It showed me how powerful golf can be when people feel safe, seen and supported.
I later spoke about that journey in more detail on The Jack Murley Sports Show, discussing inclusive coaching, LGBT+ representation and the role golf can play when people are given the right environment to belong. Listen to the podcast episode.
After moving to London, that same coaching-led approach evolved into LGBT Golf — a community built around inclusion, connection, representation and professional coaching.
Moving Forward
The focus now is on a severely underrepresented community in golf that is very close to my heart: the LGBT+ community.
After coming out publicly as a gay man, I experienced both the challenges and the benefits that golf can offer someone who does not always feel represented in traditional sporting spaces.
That is why LGBT Golf matters to me.
It is not about standing apart from golf. It is about strengthening the game by making it more open, more welcoming and more human.
Through The Monthly, coaching-led events, future partnerships and certification work, LGBT Golf aims to create more spaces where LGBT+ people can participate, improve, compete, connect or simply enjoy the game without feeling out of place.
What LGBT Golf Offers
The Monthly: The Monthly is a relaxed LGBT+ golf meetup combining coaching, on-course play and genuine connection.
It is open to beginners, returning golfers and regular players. No club membership is required — just a willingness to learn, play and connect in a welcoming environment. Click here to join The Monthly.
Coaching-Led Events: LGBT Golf events are led by PGA Professional Gary Shaw, combining clear golf coaching with a calm, supportive environment.
The focus is on helping players improve while feeling comfortable, included and respected.
Community & Connection: LGBT Golf creates space for LGBT+ golfers to meet, build confidence and enjoy the game together.
The community is built around welcome, visibility and shared participation — not pressure, status or needing to already fit traditional golf culture.
Why Join LGBT Golf
Having a PGA Professional at the helm — someone who has played, coached and lived within the LGBT+ community — gives LGBT Golf a different foundation.
The group is welcoming and relaxed, but it is also led with professional coaching standards, care and a clear vision for improvement.
You can expect inclusive meetups, coaching, on-course play, social connection and future events that help shape a brighter, stronger and more visible LGBT+ presence in golf.
Whether you are brand new to the game, returning after time away, already playing regularly or simply curious about getting involved, you are welcome.
In The Media
Gary Shaw and LGBT Golf have been featured in golf and sports media, including The Jack Murley Sports Show and Golf Business Quarterly, discussing LGBT+ representation, inclusive coaching and the role of welcoming environments in sport.
Get In Touch
To find out more, visit the official LGBT Golf website or follow LGBT Golf on Instagram.
For enquiries, contact Gary Shaw at: gary@garyshawgolf.com.
