Affordable golf coaching launched

A club operator has introduced affordable golf coaching for women, for customers across the four venues it owns.

The UK has a very poor record for golf participation when it comes to women. However, most industry experts agree that females are a huge potential source of growth in the game. For example, commentator Gregg Patterson said: “Women are the growth market for golf. Research shows women are more active than men, but only 17 per cent of golf rounds played in the UK are by women.”

Appreciating this, Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which runs Tapton Park, Beauchief, Birley Wood and Tinsley Park, has recruited former European Tour golfer Fame Tate to teach women who want to try their hand at golf.

Each one-hour session is affordable (£12.50 per session although a minimum of four has to be bought), has no dress codes and features four to six women who normally have never played golf before. The sessions include 20 minutes of refreshments in the clubhouse and a golf club is provided to every pupil.

Tate runs the ‘Fame Academy’ at Tapton Park’s nine-hole Academy course, which is located near to Chesterfield train station.

“I hope that Fame Academy will successfully bring down the barriers to women playing golf and show that it is not only a men’s game,” she said.

“I want to provide a relaxed environment, and break the traditional image of golf. Lessons are affordable, with no membership required and no strict rules on attire.

“I’m passionate about getting more women involved in golf, which is a sport that I love and has given me a hugely successful career. Hopefully, other women can be inspired to go and achieve their dreams.”

The Fame Academy started a few weeks ago and within a month already 32 women had signed up to it.

One, Denise Holland, said: “Before going to the session I was really nervous that I would be dressed wrong or I would be the only person who was a beginner. I was soon put at ease as the atmosphere was really relaxed and fun.

“I really liked that the group was small enough for all of us to get Fame’s coaching advice and it was definitely value for money. I’m now looking forward to getting my own golf club next week!”

Andy Carnall, SIV’s golf manager, added: “We hope that this new coaching experience will encourage women to take up golf.

“Golf can be a daunting sport for anyone to get into, but with the help of Fame, we hope to take down these barriers and give women the opportunity to enjoy playing in a no pressure environment.

“Some of these women may even go on to follow in the footsteps of Fame herself.”