Playing at Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, is on many a golfer’s bucket list, but a group of 19 female newcomers to the sport have already chalked it off thanks to a love.golf taster event.
love.golf, an empowering group coaching experience for women which takes place out on the golf course, and Gleneagles, the #1 golf resort in the UK and Ireland*, teamed up to offer the fun-filled experience, which sold out within 12 hours of being advertised.
It was led by Gleneagles’ PGA National Academy Manager, Matthew Reid, and PGA Professional, Gilbert Hepburn, and there was even a surprise visit from Catriona Matthew, returning to the 850-acre Perthshire estate, scene of the famous European Solheim Cup victory she orchestrated as captain in 2019.
Andrew Jowett, Gleneagles’ PGA Head of Golf, said: “love.golf is a fantastic concept which is perfectly aligned with one of Gleneagles’ wider objectives to give more women, families and children an enjoyable and accessible route into the game.
“Every woman who took part has signed up to a follow-on programme, which is the best feedback we could have wished for.”
Alastair Spink, Head Coach and Founder of love.golf, added: “The experience was an instant hit with the women and it’s fantastic that every person enjoyed it enough to come back for more.
“Our taster events introduce women to the game in a safe, outdoor, distanced environment with supportive, like-minded people, which puts participants at ease. And what better place to try the game than the incredible location of Gleneagles.”
Participant, Aileen Grant, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and it has given me the confidence to take my very limited golf journey a bit further. Catriona Matthew being there was a lovely touch and a nice surprise for the ladies.”
Gleneagles plans to host more love.golf taster events in the near future, ahead of ongoing programmes to welcome more women to the iconic venue and provide a progressive gateway into the game.
Upcoming love.golf taster events at Gleneagles:
- Saturday 24th July, 15:00 – 16:30
- Saturday 31st July, 15:00 – 16:30
- Saturday 7th August, 15:00 – 16:30
- Saturday 14th August, 15:00 – 16:30
- Saturday 21st August, 15:00 – 16:30
- Saturday 28th August, 15:00 – 16:30
For more information and to book a place, email PGA Professional Gilbert Hepburn using gilbert.hepburn@gleneagles.com
Globally, women make up just 24% of golfers. But market research** by Syngenta, which supports love.golf and Growing Golf, a campaign designed to increase female participation, indicates there is strong interest in golf, with nearly a third (29%) of non-golfing women saying they are interested in taking up the sport, attracted by the opportunity to be outdoors, relax and spend time with family friends.
*Golf World Top 100 Golf Resorts in UK & Ireland 2021
**The Global Economic Opportunity of Increased Female Participation in Golf, Syngenta, 2015