October 9, 2009Boosting the number of women playing and administrating golf in Queensland is the objective of a newly launched golf program - the
Women’s Golf Network.
Developed by Queensland’s governing golf body, Golf Queensland, the program is designed to change the out-dated stereotype among some that golf is a male-dominated sport by introducing more women to one of the world’s most popular games.
Women’s Golf Network allows women new to the sport, and those who have already developed a passion for the game, to join a program that provides many benefits of a traditional club membership.
Golf Queensland communications manager Phil Laurie says while 250,000 Australian women already play golf, Golf Queensland is hoping to further breakdown the barriers and get even more women involved.
“The Women’s Golf Network has been developed for female golfers of all abilities including those who have never played before, ladies wishing to improve on their skills and seasoned golfers,” Laurie says.
“Many ladies who have never played golf or who only get the chance to play a few times a year, steer away from a traditional golf club membership,” he says.
“The Women’s Golf Network is almost a virtual-style golf club that provides the benefits of a traditional club like maintaining an Australian golf handicap and insurance cover, with a female-focussed and social aspect.”
The Network aims to provide a welcoming and fun environment for ladies taking up the game for the first time, and provide members with a good knowledge of the game if they decide that they want to take up full club membership at any time in the future.
There is also a strong professional networking focus to the program with a range of networking opportunities available to members through our affiliates Womensport Queensland and Women’s Network Australia.
Laurie says he hopes women will join the network not only for the opportunity to learn how to play or to improve their game, but for the social interaction and corporate networking opportunities that it provides.
“Our long-term focus is for the Network to act as a vehicle to encourage more women, particularly young professional women, to get involved in golf administration and governance in the future,” Laurie says.
Activities available for Women’s Golf Network members include golf clinics, tuition programs, 9 and 18 hole events and golf tours and networking events like wine tastings and corporate lunches.