By Renee Wood
Warburton Golf Course has roped in a PGA professional to launch a new beginners golf program for women to attract more to the sport.
PGA player Jessica Stirling will lead a four week course, teaching basic techniques and skills for on the greens.
Ms Stirling said she’s excited to be a part of the program and encouraging more women to play golf.
“It is common for golf to take a couple of years of play, coaching and practice to have the players game at a competent level,” she said.
The pro will be sharing her best advice with the participants and said the key is to have patience and stick with it.
“It may take the whole hour to see the ball go in the air, or see it go in the hole, but it is part of the learning process and perseverance will help you overcome. It’s the type of sport that if you stick at it, you’ll reap the rewards.”
Participants will cover green reading and speed control for putting in the first week.
“The second and third lessons covers chipping and pitching and how to manage short shots onto the green. The final week we will cover full swing and how to hit the long shots for golf,” she said.
Teaching others how to play is a passion of Ms Stirling.
“It also allows women the opportunity for exercise which we know benefits mental and physical health and the opportunity to play in competitions and feel a sense of achievement and self pride.”
Promotions officer Vicki Hottes created the program to encourage more women to join the sport.
Currently the club has around 15 women who play regularly in a monthly social competition but Ms Hottes would like to see this grow.
“Our plan is that hopefully twice a year we would run this for program for beginners and there’s the opportunity for them to have other lessons and then hopefully join in on our social day, which is a Thursday,” she said.
Ms Hottes is aiming to create a nine hole competition for women in the future.
“I would love it if we would have about 20 to 30 women for a regular nine hole competition, a lot of other courses do that – thinking outside the box to get more people in.”
“I think nine holes is a really good format that you can do in around one and a half to two hours, depending how many people are playing in the group, and you’ve got the rest of the day.”
The first lesson will be held on Sunday 7 November and will continue for the following three Sundays.
For more information contact the club.
