Women & Golf has ceased publication of its bi-monthly print magazine and will now be launched as a digital-only brand.
The March/April edition was the last to be printed before the Coronavirus pandemic caused the publisher to suspend printing and distribution of the magazine to its subscribers and retail outlets.
Founded in 1991 by Jane Carter, Women & Golf has been edited by experienced journalist Alison Root for the past 13 years and the title was due was to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2021.
The brand’s website, womenandgolf.com, and its social media feeds, will now be the only platform for its content, which includes a mixture of tournament previews and reviews, club news, instruction, fashion, player interviews, course reviews, equipment and travel features.
Alison Root left the magazine at the end of May to pursue other projects and the new-look website will be edited by Harriet Shephard, who worked as a staff writer at Lady Golfer between 2016-18, before her most recent job as deputy editor of Time Out Abu Dhabi.
A statement issued to the golf industry signed by Kim Wild, chairman of Women & Golf, said: “The refocusing of any business is always a big step, but encouraged by the current crisis, we recognise what we need to deliver and how it is delivered. However, it has meant making hard choices and announcing the closure of our highly respected magazine is the biggest. But the brand lives on, delivering more and reaching more.
“With this change of direction, and after 13 years with Women & Golf, Alison Root, our editor, has decided that now is the time to consider new challenges. We would like to thank Alison for her fantastic contribution to Women & Golf and wish her every success for the future.
“Women & Golf is being relaunched with the development of a sparkling new website, which will include an exclusive members’ area. This will enable us to extend the reach, not only to those that who are just getting back on the course, but encourage and help females of all ages who would love to play, but haven’t yet plucked up the courage.”
“We’re delighted that Harriet Shephard will be joining as editor from June 1. As an experienced journalist specialising in digital content creation and social media management, her skills and background in the golf industry make her the right person to take Women & Golf forward into the next stage of its development.”
The statement concluded: “Our mission is not to get a lot more women playing the game, but more importantly, influencing the game by helping you provide them what they need to play better, look better and feel better. We are in this together.”