Over 100 women enjoy International Women's Golf Day

The event was part of a global initiative to improve female participation in the sport, and Golf At Goodwood demonstrated how the club is at the forefront of the movement. The club has over 300 female members and is renowned for being very relaxed and breaking down some of the barriers typically associated with golf.

On the Park course, an 18-hole pairs competition for experienced players with a handicap was won by Rosie Hoare and Marilyn Humphreys, while victory in the 11-hole Texas Scramble went to Shan Joshi, Katrina Poynton and Sally Amandini. For those less experienced, PGA Cup-winner and Academy Manager Chris McDonnell provided group Get Into Golf taster sessions, teaching the basics of the game.

Double Olympic gold medal-winning sailor and personal trainer Sarah Ayton was on hand to provide warm-up sessions for all of the participants and talk about the fitness elements of playing golf. She said; “I’ve got a long way to go in golf, but I do it for pleasure and the kids and I play together. It’s something you can do as a family; I love the fresh air and you get a few steps in, so it keeps you nice and mobile and you make great friends.”

Golf At Goodwood ambassador and Ladies’ European Tour player Georgia Hall added; “I was so pleased to see such a great event taking place at Goodwood for World Women’s Golf Day. It was a shame I couldn’t be there to take part. It was really great to follow what was happening through social media. I am proud to be part of a club that really encourages Women to get into golf and also does it with a sense of fun!”

Complimentary Prosecco and afternoon tea completed the day and generous donations raised over £575 for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Chris McDonnell said; “We had an incredible turn out for our International Women’s Golf Day event. There was a great camaraderie between players of all levels and it proved how social golf can be. It was great to have the support of Georgia Hall and Sarah Ayton, who, in very different ways, are terrific ambassadors for the sport. We were delighted to raise some money for Breast Cancer Awareness as well.”