Byron Bay Golf Club has taken possession of ten sets of new golf clubs for women participating in the club’s beginner clinics after successfully applying for funding through the NSW Golf Foundation.
Kerry Lollback, president of the women’s committee in 2021 said, “We are delighted to receive this boost to our program from Golf NSW.
“Up to now, we have been scrounging together used clubs and bags donated by members, just to provide the participants with a few clubs to get started.”
The new clubs will be used in all future clinics and follow-up mentoring programs, enabling participants to have a real go at the game with minimal outlay, using appropriate new equipment which is sure to help with their success and enjoyment of the game.
For the last three years, the Byron Bay Golf Club has run regular beginner clinics for women following a simple format of three 1½ hour sessions followed by mentoring sessions with regular, experienced members taking the beginners out on the course to put their skills into practice.
Each clinic session is divided into practice time with the club professional, Greg Stewart, on hitting techniques while regular members take them through basic putting skills.
“The success of the program has undoubtedly been due to the involvement of so many of our lady members who have taken beginners out on a regular basis following the clinics.
“They have been the backbone of the program and without their support a lot of the participants may have drifted away from the game, ” Ms Lollback said.
Combined with excellent financial deals offered by the club on initial membership and nine hole vouchers which enable participants to experience golf very inexpensively, this has led to the club having attracted around 50 new members currently.
At last count, clinic participants now make up almost a quarter of the membership and this has added new energy and fresh enthusiasm to the club.
“Several of the women who gave golf a go at the clinics are now committee members contributing significantly to a rosy future for the club,” Kerry enthused.
The next beginner clinic is scheduled for March 18, 25 and April 1 with a maximum of 16 participants being accepted for each clinic to allow appropriate individual time for instruction.
“We try not to take things too seriously and hope the ladies attending have a fun time learning new golf skills and meeting like-minded beginner golf enthusiasts over coffee and cake in the clubhouse afterwards when we can all chat and laugh about our golfing experiences,” Ms Lollback added.
For enrolment email functions@byronbaygolfclub.com.au