A group of girls who have come through New2Golf schemes to a North Wales county girls section has revealed the importance of introducing and nurturing new talent to the game.
A group of eight players from Nefyn and North Wales golf clubs have just gained their first handicaps under the World Handicap System.
Olivia and Annabelle Clifford, Cadi Midwood, Rachel Cutting and Hannah Manock are all members at Nefyn GC, which was recently honoured as Wales Golf Junior Club of the Year, while Carmen Crisan, Emma Williams and Jessica Scaddon are all members at North Wales Golf Club in Llandudno.
The girls are all between the ages of 11-14, having first picked up clubs to play golf within the last three years at New2Golf schemes run by their clubs and the county ladies golf association for Caernarfonshire and Anglesey.
County junior organiser Pam Macdonald said: “We are thrilled to see these girls becoming confident and proficient young golfers thanks to excellent local tuition and support from Wales Golf and their clubs. Our county girls’ section is growing in numbers and enthusiasm, and we hope to have a lot more girls coming through shortly.”
New2Golf is a beginners’ scheme run by Wales Golf which can attract people of all genders and ages to the game. However, representation of young girls is lower than for boys and older age groups, making that group as area of particular focus for Wales Golf.
“It is always encouraging to see players coming through New2Golf, gaining handicaps and progressing into the county system,” said Wales Golf Community Golf Development Co-ordinator (North) Kim Ellis. “There’s an imbalance between the numbers of girls and boys playing golf, so schemes like New2Golf are a vital part of getting more girls into the game. The schemes are tailored to work on the social side, as well as the golfing skills, to attract and maintain girls in the game.
“Clubs like Nefyn and North Wales are excellent in their approach, the work of volunteers is priceless. We look forward to following the progress of the Caernarfonshire and Anglesey girl’s county section in the future.”