Laura Whitehead | Age 27 | Handicap 6

My first experience of golf was at the local driving range with my Dad at 8 years old. I remember him giving me a club and telling me to just hit the ball, no technical information, just to hold the club and hit the ball. I then started to attend junior sessions at the range, run by at PGA professional. I was then able to join my local club where my mum and dad were already members. I was lucky there was 4 girls in total that joined at the same time, we would all go up on a Tuesday evening with the junior organiser and hit balls, have competitions and even play a few holes when the course was quiet. I quickly found love for the game, as did the other girls of the same age and ability. As I got better, I wanted to get my handicap and play more. A number of the ladies at Droitwich would volunteer to play in competitions with me, which encourage me. I got involved with the Worcestershire county girls. This was great for supporting me as I started in the sport and gave me the opportunity to compete in matches, integrate with other members of the county at pre-season days and take part in county coaching days, which provided me with the chance to meet and play with other girls but also improve my game.

Not all the experiences I have had in golf have been positive and I have faced a number of barriers, but I was lucky to have the environment and the support from others to help overcome these and the negative perceptions that come with women and golf. The equality barriers in the past made it hard for me at times to integrate with the junior boys as they would be governed by the mens rules meaning their access to the course would be different to mine as a lady member. I however found myself more determined to compete with and play with the boys, my handicap started at 36 but came down quickly and this enabled me to be picked for the junior club team. I played for the team for a number of years and became the first female junior captain which was a turning point and something I felt proud to do at the club. My school summer holidays would be booked up with golf all the way through playing both socially and competitively. 

Golf has given me a lot over the years, its given me a hobby which enjoy playing both socially and competitively. I have been able to compete in a sport I enjoy representing the county for both the junior and ladies 1st team, I have gained a number of friends some who are very close to me and I meet my fiancé through the game and we are getting married this year. It has also allowed me to grow as a person giving me more confidence to speak to others and mix with a wide range of people who are different ages and backgrounds. 

My advice for anyone new to the game is to not think about the negatives and the stories but to create your own opinions of the game. Golf can provide so much more than just a sport and I find even if i have a bad day on the course I then feel more determined to go back out there and play well next time. 

Rachel Spry | For work and play

At first I was the only female at my course but that didn’t bother me because everyone was so encouraging, plus as a competitive 13 year old, I loved the challenge of trying to beat the boys! 

My grampy (or granddad to most people!) introduced me to golf, we used to hit balls in his back garden and he taught me there and at the golf club. I then had some lessons with the club professional and got involved with some junior coaching through the junior section.  My mum has also worked at the golf club for the past 15 years so I have worked with her and spent a lot of my time at the golf club as a child. The golf club became my second home and the members were my second family! 

I have travelled all over the UK and to other countries with my job so when I go home to Devon its always great to see the familiar faces who nurtured me into golf at a young age, although we don’t see each other very often it’s always like I have never been away and I can always get a game! It’s a great community! 

My handicap is now 11 but sometimes my game is a bit dodgy because I often don’t play for a few months but I soon get back into it and whether my game is good or bad, I just love being outdoors and socialising! 

Golf has taught me a lot since a young age, at first it taught me social skills, meeting new people, spending hours with them on the golf course and being confident enough to make conversation and hit a golf ball well - that’s a pretty big deal when you’re little! Golf requires a lot of patience, concentration and respect which are characteristics I feel are now strongly reflected within my work. I also believe the technicalities of golf make you appreciate the importance of attention to detail within your education and work.

Golf has played a role in my career too, I moved to London for a year whilst on a University work placement and golf involved with some voluntary activity, then took a role as a Country Development Officer and got involved with the England Golf Youth Panel. I have met some really great people through golf and have a strong social and work circle based around sport, you really meet people from different walks of life and there’s always something to talk about during and after a round of golf! 

When I began golf I was one of few, now I am one of many! There seems to be more and more women playing golf and in the last couple of years I have found it easier to find a golf club with Intermediate members sections and females. Golf is also becoming more accommodating of my lifestyle, as someone that has moved frequently and not been able to commit to membership and jointing feeds, there are more and more golf clubs allowing flexible memberships to fit my lifestyle. 

I have been a member of four different golf clubs and played many others on a green fee basis. Everyone is always really friendly - I know that with golf I can go to a new city and will have a social circle doing something I love. I am very relaxed about my golf and if I don’t play for a few months or even years then that’s ok, I know that I have the basic swing so I can usually scramble something together and I always enjoy the round, especially if the sun is shining! 

 I have always found that golf clubs have welcomed me with open arms, there’s always chance to get involved with matches, competitions and friendlies. You can do as much or as little as you like and the members are always really encouraging, especially to young females as they all love to see youth getting involved with the sport!

Women and girl’s should get into golf because it has so many benefits, you’re active and social at the same time - women always love a good natter and you can do that whilst playing golf! You can take it as seriously as you like and get involved with competitions, play different courses and see the world! It’s also a sport for life, which I think is important, no matter what age you start you can continue for years.

My advice?

Keep your head down!!

Joanna Smith | Age 56 | International Golfer

I started playing golf when I was 49 years old. It all started with hitting a few balls on a local range and becoming completely hooked!

There is an amazing thrill when you strike a ball well and it soars through the air. Go on give it a go!

This was 7 years ago now and it has been life changing. I have played all sorts of sports in the past but never anything like golf. It is the most challenging and at times most rewarding of sports.

It has enabled me to meet lots of new friends of all golfing abilities and all ages. I have been fortunate to have some amazing holidays playing golf with giraffes on the fairway in South Africa, Barbados, Mauritius, the Seychelles and France. Our holidays have been transformed, no more lazing around on the beach - we prefer to check out all the local courses.

My message is that it is never too late to take up golf, it is a unique sport with great personal challenge, it will keep you fit and is really sociable.

Take some lessons to get you started on the right technique and go for it.

Naga and Nicola | Golf in good company

When Naga, Nicola and James play together they prove that, regardless of age, gender or ability, golf is everyone's game.

Rebecca Hembrough | Golfing for business and pleasure

Golf has made me who I am. Aside from being obsessed with the weather and having an ever-growing golf wardrobe, the game has driven me to work hard and take the career path I’m on now.

At the age of 12 I played any sport I could get my hands on and my dad took me along to junior lessons at the local golf club in the summer, no doubt to tire me out! I got hooked on the challenge of the game straight away and I had fun trying to beat the boys at the club, before going to county coaching and making an ever-growing circle of friends. I burst onto the national scene when I was 16 as an unknown, finishing runner up in the English Girls at the stunning Sheringham Golf Club. From there I started a new and exciting journey representing my country in girl’s home international matches and European team championships. I was offered a 4 year golf scholarship at Kent State University in Ohio and I jumped at the opportunity. I flew the nest to experience one of my toughest but most rewarding challenges to date, new home, new country, new people. On my return I realised that pursuing a career as a professional golfer wasn’t for me and I completed a master’s degree and trained to be a sports psychologist. And that brings me to the present day - 15 years after pulling on an England shirt for the first time, I am now the Performance Manager for the Women’s Programme at England Golf. It gives me goose bumps to think that myself and the team are supporting women and girls to chase their own aspirations in the game and I feel so privileged. We work hard to make sure that the training and competitive opportunities for women and girls keep growing and improving year on year.

Golf is now my fun thing! I play off +1 at Hallamshire Golf Club, a beautiful course with a big ladies’ section that is both competitive and great fun at the same time. I’m not competing in big tournaments but I’m still hooked on the challenge of the game and have targets to hit. Not only does it satisfy my competitive side but getting out on the course on my own, soaking in the scenery, gives me freedom to relax and enjoy some quiet space in my day.

 The game has given me so much and I’m now in a position to give back to it. I dare you to get into golf, accept the challenge and enjoy everything it throws at you! I would definitely recommend seeing a coach for lessons to start you off and even better in a group environment for the giggles, and then give it time and enjoy the journey!

Ellie Lace | Age 12 | The Aspiring Pro

Ellie practices in a local park and dreams of being a tour pro. As she watches Charley Hull compete, she studies every shot

Gemma Hunter | Golf and socialising

I started to play golf when I was 7 years old, I had no choice in the matter really, my parents play, and my older brother plays, I would get dragged to the golf club in the holidays by my brother as he wanted to practice but had to look after me, the annoying little sister. One day in the summer holidays sat on the practice ground I decided I could do this, picked up a club and the story begins...

 I joined the club as soon as I was old enough (think I was 8 or 9) and started to play with the boys, as I was the only girl (I was the only girl at my club for 10 years and still the youngest member now). It was hard at first no one would play with me, but them they realised that I was actually quite good and let me join in. I loved playing but hated practicing and that was my downfall, having played golf now for over 25 years, I have to say it’s a sport you just can’t give up on, it keeps dragging you back.

 Golf gives you amazing opportunities if you want them, it opens doors for you in your career, it takes you places you can only dream of, whether that’s playing at an Open venue with friends, where you have seen your idols win majors, or playing with a superstar in a golf day or even just being there when we win the Solhiem Cup as a spectator.

 Golf is not just about the sport it’s about the friends you make along the way, you play with so many people from different backgrounds but you all have the same connection you love golf, some of these people will become friends for life even if you haven’t spoken for 10 years the catch ups are always good and you remember the good time both off and on the course.

 Golf is certainly not just a sport it’s a way of life, a culture that becomes part of who you are.

Henni | Golf in the City

Henni’s busy career makes downtime a precious commodity, but amid this urban jungle, she finds peace at the range.

Annie | Age 6 | This Girl Golfs!

Annie has been hitting balls with her Dad for a couple of months now and this week he took her for her first proper lesson with a PGA pro! Well done Annie and well done Dad!

Martha | Age 5 | See, Girls Can Golf!

Alessa Hardwick | Age 24 | 5 lessons and counting

My first impression of the sport, when I started working at Sports Publications, was "ooh dear should men that age really be wearing plaid?!". 

 I was very pleased when it turned out, that although a lot of the men were old and questionably dressed, there was a huge group of up and coming women in the ladies games oozing glamour and strength. It is impossible to watch Michelle Wie smacking the ball down a fairway and not feel empowered. Even if you are making your way through a family sized pack of popcorn slumped on the sofa while you watch her play… 

 If the televised competitive side of things doesn't appeal to you, you can't deny that going out on the course on a sunny afternoon with a group of friends is a perfect way to socialise and exercise.

 Or, failing that, there is something immensely satisfying about whacking some (golf) balls at the driving range...

Valerie von Eberhardt | Rediscovering Golf in Germany

One of the reasons why I stopped playing golf as a teenager was that I wasn’t too good at keeping a clear head and controlling my nervousness when I felt observed. In other words, I used to be the queen of the driving range but a disaster when playing a round – especially during the few tournaments I took part in.

Twenty years later, I restarted, just for fun, and with no intention of playing any tournament for the near future. I love it! I also loved catching up with all the changes of the past two decades: clubs got lighter and much easier to play (so “forgiving”), rules changed, “license to play” became HCP 54 (in Germany), soft spikes replaced the metal ones, trolleys are now pushed and not pulled anymore, and clothes became unavoidably more “bling-bling”. It felt a little like “Back to the Future”.

However, getting to the heart of the sport - the swing - three things haven’t changed and never will: 1) It’s all in your head; 2) It needs time; 3) …and practice, practice, practice. So with this in mind, it’ll probably take another 20 years to get from 54 to 36. But that’s fine. I have learned to simply enjoy playing golf and the great satisfaction of a beautiful shot while being outside in nature (a lovely side effect). There is no rush.

  And there is another beautiful thing about golf: unlike other sports, you never run short of the right partner or opponent, because you will always play against yourself. It’s a mind game (see points 1-3 here above). This is why, as a golfer, you learn to develop empathy, to become humble and to forgive yourself as well as others. You will understand very quickly that we are all in this together and that you are not alone.

Sally Watson | Pro golfer on the LET

Hi, I'm Sally Watson and I’m from Scotland. I’m currently a professional golfer on the LET.

I started playing golf when I was about 3 or 4 years old, and I’ve been playing ever since. I really committed to the sport when I was about 14 years old, turned professional in 2013 and this is now my second year on the Ladies European Tour.

I think golf is a great way to meet other people, it serves you really well throughout your entire life. It’s a big sport in the business world, so it helps women - once they make that transition into different businesses or corporations - to help keep them on an even playing field with the men. So it’s a great place to meet people and helps fuel your competitive side as well which I think is great.

The best way to start at golf at any age first and foremost is to go to the driving range, just hit a few balls. You can find a putting green, or even a crazy putting course, just something to keep the game fun when you first start.

Once you’ve had a start at it maybe try and play 18 holes on a public course, again see how it feels, and if you like it try and join a local course. Hopefully if you’re a young girl there might be some local courses which are trying to encourage young girls to get in and might help you out when you first start. All sports are there to be taken advantage of if you just find the right places and meet the right people.

I love golf first and foremost because I’m a competitive person; I pretty much love all sports to be quite honest. Golf is a challenge every day which I enjoy – most of the time anyway.

You’re always trying to seek perfection, and it’s always there but at the same time eludes you. So it just keeps you coming back for more on a daily basis.

Monique | Age…You can work it out | It's never too late

I started playing golf when I was  58. I enjoyed Gliding for many years and passed my silver badge but I felt, as I was getting older, I needed something a little bit more down to earth. My friend introduced me to golf and I was hooked. Best thing I ever did. I should have started earlier but it’s never too late to start! As enjoyable as golf is, it can also be very frustrating.

But I love the challenge, the companionship and most of all having something to get up for in the morning. And even if you are having a bad day, you only need one good shot to bring a smile to your face. Being Captain this year at West Essex golf Club it really keeps me on my toes and I love it

Everybody should play golf. It brings out the best (and very occasionally the worst) in you :)

Evie Carter | Age 21 | Doing it for the girls

When I first started golf at the age of 12 I had no idea about the barriers which girl’s faced, however I was quickly exposed to such barrier as I began to improve quickly. During my first encounters with junior club golf, I was the only girl, which straight-away highlighted the inequality. To begin with it was an issue and I felt vulnerable and a little lonely. However, I soon became more confident and proved a point that I did deserve to be accepted with the boys, as I was a capable girl golfer. My first handicap was 36, which dramatically reduced over my junior years. By the time I was 15 I was playing off a handicap of 12, and playing for the County girls and ladies as well as in English events.

In this day and age I do feel that views towards female golfers are changing and we are now being accepted, compared to how it used to be, however, there is still a long way to go. In a club setting it is evident that the numbers of girl’s playing golf are small, however the initiatives such as ‘This Girl Can’ will prove to be successful by empowering them to believe that they can do it, and give it a go! Many initiatives now such as England Golf’s Women and Girl’s advisory group, which I sit on, provides a great opportunity to share and discuss and provide solutions as to how we can increase numbers and reduce the ‘Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden’ stigma associated with golf.

Since I started playing golf, it has had a huge impact upon my life. Firstly, it is now my career, I am now 21 years of age and a PGA Assistant Professional and have just graduated from the University of Birmingham with a 2:1 in Applied Golf Management Studies. Secondly, I have made my friends, who have become some of my closet friends. I meet up with them away from golf, which is lovely to share golfing stories as well as general stories too.  Golf has been the facilitator of these friendships, which I am thankful of as they have supported my throughout my degree and generally been a huge support network. This is why I urge any females to get into golf, socially, physically and mentally as the benefits and relationships it provides you with are limitless. To any new golfers thinking about taking up the game I would 100% challenge you to try it and I will guarantee you will become hooked, whether it be for the social side, health benefits or the friendships. 

Emily Cheshire | Age 21 | Golfer for life

When my mum and dad introduced me to golf 15 years ago I had no idea how much golf would impact my life, and now I couldn’t imagine life without it! Golf has shaped me as a person and given me a lot of respect for many different people, not to mention making tons of friends! My network of friends stretches all over the country but golf always brings us back together for a game and a natter. I now look forward to helping more women and girls into golf as one of England Golf’s new CDO’s, giving back to the game that has helped me be a better person and a golfer for life! 

Jane + Elena | Age 21 | Golf and fun

For best friends and beginners Jane and Elena, the range is a space to hit balls hard, look at boys and laugh a lot.

Lauren Spray | Age 26 | Plays off Scratch

My first golfing experience was when my family went to the local golf club for a family celebratory meal. My cousins went with my uncle and hit some balls out on the driving range and I went to watch. My Grandpa Freddie was a very keen golfer, gave me one of his clubs and got me to stand opposite the ball. I will never forget what he first said to me ‘imagine your perching on a high bar stool that will help you get your body in the right position’. I still think of that now! I managed to get some of the balls in the air and after that I wanted to keep going! This all happened when I was about 12 years old.

When the school holidays came around I went down to the local council run golf club and signed up for a junior holiday camp where I had a week’s worth of lesson and by the end of the school holidays my parents made me a member at the local golf club. My parents didn’t play, so Dad’s friend from work suggested I join Stanton on the Wolds in Nottingham.

I had regular coaching and playing opportunities on the course with a group of other girls when I first started. Ladies from the club volunteered their time and would come out and take me round the course and other juniors parents helped me get my first handicap. I was a member at Stanton for 10 years and I hold the current Ladies course record of 6 under 67. I am now a member at Notts Golf Club and represent Notts Ladies and play off scratch.

Through golf I have made some fantastic friends and had the opportunity to play golf throughout the Country and even abroad when I’ve represented my club, County and University. As a youngster it gives you lots of opportunities to mix with all walks and forms of life and helps you to mature. I really felt golf has given me more confidence when speaking with adults as you get mixed in with everyone at the club.

Being one of a few girls at a club I was always looked after and the women were brilliant, I had lots of surrogate mums! We had a brilliant junior organiser at the club too and he encouraged all the juniors to play together. I would spend most days during the school holidays at the golf club practicing and playing. It was brilliant apart from the golfers tan of white feet!

My mum now plays and she plays off 13 and has even managed to have a hole in one before me! My dad has even started to play now and he has a set of my old clubs and its great that it is a sport we can all play as a family and doesn’t matter that our abilities differ we all enjoy it.

Golf has given me a lot and I feel very fortunate that my hobby and passion has now become my career. I’ve met lots of people and it provides brilliant networking opportunities.

My advice to new female golfers is don’t be afraid about the stereotypes you think maybe associated in golf, break the mould and be a part of the new era. That feeling you get when you hit a shot better than you have ever hit it before makes you come back time and time again.   

Sarah Mills | Age 22 | A sporting start

Even though I am a very sporty person, golf was never one I considered. It wasn’t until I started working for Sports Publications that I thought about learning how to play - personally, I always thought of it as a game for retired men!

My views soon changed as I got the chance to hit a few balls at the driving range. I had no idea even how to hold a club but with a little bit of assistance, I was soon ready to get going. At first I found it frustrating. Being a rower I am used to things going wrong, but I could not understand how one minute you'd be getting it just right and the next the ball would be flying up and hitting the roof of the driving range!

 Golf as a sport is naturally suited to women because we are sociable creatures. What better way to spend an afternoon than in the fresh air, getting some exercise, with the promise of a drink and post-round catch-up with friends afterwards?!

If there is any advice I could give, it would be to just pick up a club and go to the driving range. Until you have tried the sport, you will not know whether you enjoy it or not. Get yourself some golf lessons with an attractive pro and go enjoy yourself.

Dianne Mason | Age 57 | The traveling golfer

Hi,

My name is Dianne and I'm 57 years old.  I started to play golf 20 years ago in 1995.  My husband and my two sons played so I thought I'd join them and I'm so pleased I did.  We have had some fabulous holidays as a family when the boys were young, and now my husband and I together or with friends.  We have been to many countries in Europe, South Africa, the USA and here in the UK playing golf and watching golf and have made so many friends.  It's such a great game to play and lovely to be out in the fresh air with lovely views of the countryside or the ocean around you, rather than be in a gym!  I would say it's a game for all to enjoy - young, or not so young.  It's never too late!  Go try it!