A new campaign is urging women to Get into Golf. Jane McGowan finds out more
In March this year, members of the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers voted to allow women into its prestigious Muirfield club for the first time in its 200-year history. The ballot had been hastily called just weeks after the R&A (the sport’s governing body and organisers of the Open, arguably the biggest event on the British golf calendar) ruled that Muirfield would no longer be eligible to hold the Open unless it admitted female members. I will leave you to draw your own conclusions for the members’ sudden change of heart.
And despite the fact there are 32.2m women in the UK, in comparison to 31.1m men, in terms of golf clubs, women make up just 15% of the membership in England. But this is hopefully all about to change, thanks to Get into Golf – a nationwide scheme launched by England Golf to promote the joys of the sport to women and girls and to prove that the game is no longer just an extension of the male-dominated boardroom.
“The figures on our Get into Golf website are very encouraging about women who are looking to play golf, so there is obviously a need for clubs to provide something for women,” says Caroline Hardy-Evans, club support officer for Surrey at England Golf. “We are very fortunate in Surrey that we have a lot of clubs who can teach beginner groups and are very welcoming to new players whether they are men, women or juniors.”
Caroline says the best way for clubs to foster a love of the game – and to bag that all-important membership – is to implement a “player pathway”, which enables those thinking about taking up golf to get full access to what the club has to offer while developing their game at their own pace.
This is something Lee Mucklow PGA Pro at Windlesham Golf Club in Bagshot, has been keen to develop. The club, according to Lee is “actively seeking” female members and has put several initiatives in place to make the club as welcoming as possible.
“One of our popular events is our 90 minutes of golf coffee mornings, which is a group lesson of between six and 12 ladies, followed by coffee and pastries in the clubhouse,” says Lee. “We also have a ‘Pathway to Membership’, which starts with 18-months to two years of lessons covering the whole game leading on to full membership.”
The Player Pathway idea enables you to play regularly with people of your own standard. “It means people are more comfortable with each other and you wouldn’t mind missing a shot in front of your friends rather than being thrown in with an experienced player,” says Caroline which all adds to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and helps nurture the social aspect of the sport.
In the past, it was often the case that ladies took up golf as it was the only way of seeing their husbands at the weekend – which again reinforces its slightly sexist image. But in recent years, Caroline says more women are turning to the sport purely as a way of getting out and trying something new.
“People give it a go and then they get hooked. It’s great for your wellbeing,” she says. “It’s more than the required 10,000 daily steps and you are outside. It keeps you active and its very social. People also say that it’s stress free, but that depends on how you’re playing,” she adds laughing.
As a result of changing attitude from the clubs themselves, there are now several different membership options to appeal not only to women, but to those working part time, the over 60s, juniors and so the list goes on.
Some clubs have gone as far as introducing “Golf & Bubbles” sessions, cashing in on the country’s sudden love of Prosecco. “It just shows how social the sport is and the direction in which clubs are going,” says Caroline.
“Golf clubs are becoming more creative with their membership offers because they have realised they have to. Clubs are changing to meet the demands and taking the initiative to get to a wider audience.”
On the whole, it would seem Surrey is one of the most welcoming counties when it comes to including women members. “They are certainly going in the right direction,” says Caroline, albeit a little cautiously. “And I can’t say it’s always been easy but now there are lots of clubs in Surrey where there are competitions where men and women compete together which is a big step.
“As far as I’m concerned golf is a game for everybody – it doesn’t matter what your background is. Certainly we would like more women and girls in the game and this campaign is a great starting point.”
For anyone thinking of taking up the sport, the Get into Golf website is the place to start. Simply type in your postcode and any clubs with membership/lesson offers will pop-up. Alternatively, you can contact your local club directly.
And while traditionally golf was thought of as an expensive pastime, Caroline says those days are gone too. “A lot of clubs that offer lessons will lend you the clubs in the first instance and you can buy them from eBay when you need to,” says Caroline. “Most are quite happy for you to attend in trainers and some clubs may allow you to arrive wearing jeans, but clubs will still tell you whether there is a dress code. Again, most are more laid back about a dress code nowadays because they know they have to be.”
“There are a lot of misconceptions about golf and we are doing our best to move away from those,” insists Caroline. “At the end of the day, it’s a great way of meeting people and making new friends, learning something new and getting out in the fresh air.”
And should your round not go as planned, you can always console yourself at the 19th hole. “Absolutely,” agrees Caroline. “There’s always the 19th!”
Gill Longdon from Guildford plays at Bramley Golf Club, where 24% of its membership is made up of women.
Gill says: “Once my daughter had started nursery, I was looking for something new to do and a friend suggested trying golf. I originally had group lessons at Hoebridge Golf Centre which was great as we were all the same standard. That was years ago and we all stay get together and play. I have made lifelong friends because of golf and it opened up a whole new world for me.
“I joined Bramley as it is my local club and it is very friendly and welcoming. There’s a great social side and people are very supportive. Golf is great – you can play all year round, on holiday, whether you’re young or old. I would certainly recommend it!” n Each year, the club organises free “Taster” days for ladies to have a go at golf before signing up.
Visit bramleygolfclub.co.uk for details
Joanne Taylor is the PGA Professional at Tyrrells Wood Golf Club in Leatherhead, she says:
“My dad took me to the driving range when I was about 12, and from there I began attending Saturday morning classes. There weren’t many girls but that didn’t really put me off and I enjoyed competing. By the time I went to university I knew I wanted my career to be in golf. I studied Applied Golf Management and have been working at Tyrrells Wood for three years and I love coaching.
“We have an academy programme and we really encourage women to get involved. It’s good fun and this is a very friendly, sociable club. Our lessons are relaxed and everyone is made very welcome.”
For more details, visit tyrrellswoodgolfclub.co.uk
- To find out more about Get into Golf, visit: englandgolf.org
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