Kent Golf Limited
Faversham women on the pathway to golf
Date published: 14 Oct 2023
Faversham GC's cohort of new women golfers flexed their golf clubs and have played their first ‘competitive’ game of golf. Nine women on the Women’s Pathway to Golf programme drove, putted, chipped - and with the occasional air shot - plotted their way around the course for the first time.
Putting their new skills into action over nine holes of Texas scramble, they experienced playing as a team in a competition. At the same time, they put into practice the etiquette needed on the course and had an introduction to score cards.
The game was played in the spirit of competition, but without any pressure to score well.
In response to a demand from women who wanted to play golf but had not had any previous experience or were coming back to golf, Faversham set up their Pathway to Golf programme. It is open to all women regardless of ability and for those who wanted to take the first step onto the hallowed fairways of a golf course.
It is the initiative of Faversham’s Women in Golf Charter champion, Lucy Murphy and Clive Margetts, executive board member for equality. Lucy explained: “More women are becoming interested in golf. But unlike other sports, there’s no easy route into golf. Many other sports can be played in playgrounds or parks, it’s a bit more difficult for golf. It had an air of elitism and was difficult to get into. By taking away some of those myths and difficulties, women can ease themselves into the game.”
The pathway is part of the club’s continuing commitment to the Women in Golf Charter suggested by England Golf.
The pair have produced a pocketbook for all new entrants to the pathway. It guides women through the oddities, pleasures and friendships of golf. It’s packed with information a new golfer would need from who plays first, etiquette pointers, basic rules through to guidance on clubs.
Sarah Vincent, one of the original members says she was encouraged to take up golf during Covid. Her friend put a sheet up in the garage and taught her how to hit a ball.
She said: “I then had some lessons with the club pro, Stuart Rokes, and started taking it a bit more seriously. When this pathway started I jumped at it. I’m getting better, and this was a great opportunity to actually go out on the course for a proper game of golf.”
Gail Boucher joined the pathway thinking it would be a good way to play with people she didn’t know. “It’s quite daunting and I was apprehensive, but it’s helped me get over the first step to playing golf. I’ve loved getting to know the other women and being able to take things one step at a time.”
There are currently 14 women on the pathway, each at different stages. “There’s no pressure to take part in all the events or join the golf club.” said Clive. “We encourage them to go at their own pace and maybe dip in and out of the programme. We want them to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. The idea is for them to decide whether golf is for them or not.”
As for the competition, was there a winner? “They’re all winners,” said Lucy.
For more information about Faversham’s Women’s Pathway to Golf please contact: Sarah Hogbin at the golf club on 01795 890561.
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