More than 50 golf clubs to take part in female recruitment drive
More than 50 golf clubs in eight English counties are to take part in an initiative involving alcohol and a new way of scoring, which, it is hoped, will attract more women to golf.
Last year, Academy Away Days, run by England Golf, trialled in three counties and included all participants teeing off at the same time so they finished together and could socialise in the clubhouse afterwards. It attracted over 300 players – with 60 per cent of them going on to become golf club members.
The scheme was pioneered in Hertfordshire, Durham and Cheshire, where clubs wanted to retain women who had taken Get into golf beginner courses. Outings were organised on par three and short courses and the players used a new scoring system which focuses on rules and etiquette rather than the number of strokes taken.
Over nine holes the women completed a series of challenges such as successfully hitting the green in one shot, raking the bunker correctly and shaking hands on the final green when they had completed their game. Everyone also tees off at the same time to ensure there’s the opportunity to socialise afterwards.
This month the scheme, now called Women on Par, sees clubs in Devon, Hampshire, Northumberland, Suffolk and Worcestershire joining the campaign.
“They all have shotgun starts, so the players start and finish together and can socialise after play over a glass of fizz or juice,” said Lyndsey Hewison from England Golf.
Feedback from 2017 participants was positive, with many stating the days were both enjoyable and helped boost their confidence.
Currently only 15 per cent of club members are women and just one per cent are girls, but research shows there’s a huge appetite for playing the sport.
Visit getintogolf.org to find out about and book these sessions and other opportunities for beginners and improvers.
Why “involving alcohol” ?
I took part in this last year and it was lots of fun