A group of female golfers are calling on other women to give the sport a go in Alexandra.

The avid golfers want to get more people involved in the sport, so are supporting the latest round of ‘She Loves Golf’ lessons planned for the area.

Organiser of the ‘She Loves Golf’ lessons at Alexandra Golf Club Ann Vessey said the aim is to get the women to learn by doing during the three week learn to play programme.

Demand was higher than anticipated and organisers had to introduce a second session, so lessons have been running on Monday and Thursday evenings for the past three weeks. 

Ann said the idea came about when a few women got together and wanted to promote golf to more women in the community. 

“We had all heard of the She Loves Golf programme running in different parts of New Zealand and thought let’s see if there’s some interest here in Alexandra.

“We wanted to have an emphasis on fun and enjoyment of the game of golf, without the traditional rules being implemented, [so] there are no rules.”

Feedback from the 35 participants, who are mostly from Cromwell, Alexandra and Wānaka, has been positive, Ann said.

“[They] are enjoying the learning taking place and being surrounded by like-minded people wanting to give the sport a go. 

“They are getting a chance to experience golf in a fun way and maybe it’s different to what they thought golf within a club is all about.” 

Ann thanked volunteer coaches Rachel Thow and Jane Hoskins, manager of Alexandra Golf Club Dai Johns, also other female members who loaned out clubs.

Scapegrace has also supported the Alexandra initiative.

Scapegrace marketing director Mark Neal said to be in partnership with ‘She Loves Golf’ was a no brainer as it was a great initiative.

“[It is] such a fantastic social, active opportunity for women within the community to connect, alongside [the chance to] break down the traditional values of golf.

Plans are to trial a Monday night women’s ambrose league, starting in mid-February with the focus on fun and learning to play in a supportive atmosphere. 

Pictured (from left) dads Blair and Jared minding the babies during the final She Loves Golf lesson. PHOTO: The Central App

The She Loves Golf programme is one of many participation initiatives run under the Golf New Zealand operations umbrella.

A recent round of She Loves Golf lessons held at Roxburgh Golf Club saw strong demand from women as well, with 30 participating and the social element of returning to the clubhouse for drinks and nibbles being a drawcard too.

Golf New Zealand records show that 21 per cent of adult golf club members are women, and of those, 86 per cent were aged 50 and over.

Contact Ann to be added to the mailing list: [email protected]