Golf club welcomes more women participation

Royal Ascot Golf Club wants to see more women on its fairways

A golf club says it is seeing a “thriving” number of new women players.

Royal Ascot Golf Club, founded in 1887, has seen female members jump from 93 last year to 139 in 2024.

It wants to welcome more women to its fairways this year than in any of its previous 137 seasons and has introduced teaching sessions to encourage people to join.

Ladies Captain Sharon Edwards said: “We’re really encouraged by the number of new female players we have welcomed.”

Ladies Captain Sharon Edwards said it can be "daunting" joining a new club

She said she had never swung a club prior to 2012 but now has a competitive handicap.

Joining the club has helped her stay active, make friends and be at the heart of a supportive new network, she said.

“It’s testament to everyone’s commitment to ensuring playing golf and learning the sport’s key skills is easy to access and cost friendly for those who have never played before," she added.

Ms Edward believes many women are “hesitant to take up golf due to social barriers, such as not having any familiar people to play with".

But the club said the new season was "thriving with the number of female participants".

It has also introduced a buddy scheme where existing members team up with new players and was recognised at the England Gold Awards for leading the sport’s work in reducing barriers and encouraging new players.