Former World No 1 Laura Davies has given her personal backing to a golf scholarship for girls being set up at West Byfleet Golf Club where she honed her skills before turning professional.
Laura visited the Golf Mark accredited Surrey Club on Sunday 5 January to support the Surrey Ladies’ County Golf Association’s ‘Win a Lesson with Laura’ initiative and to finalise details of the four Laura Davies Scholarships on offer.
“I’m proud and delighted to back what will be a fantastic opportunity for girls at West Byfleet Golf Club,” said Laura, winner of more than 80 pro tournaments worldwide, including four majors. “I have so many great memories of the wonderful support I received from so many members and friends of the club when I was starting out on my way, some of whom I’m still in regular contact.”
Laura, 50, added: “I’m sure these scholarships will really help generate interest in what is a great sport, one which has opened so many doors for me and given so much enjoyment over the last 40-plus years. I wish the lucky recipients every success – I know I’d have jumped at the chance to take part!”
Each junior girl awarded the scholarships will secure membership to use the course and practice facilities at West Byfleet, as well as receive a series of free coaching clinics. Successful applicants are expected to be active members of the Junior Section, participating fully in competitions as well as representing the Club in external competitions. All applicants must be girls with an active CONGU golf handicap and be between the ages of 11 and 16 years old on 1 January 2014.
In a second major initiative for 2014, West Byfleet Golf Club is to run a structured “WoodpeckerAcademy” course to enable beginners aged from nine to 15 to obtain a recognised golf handicap. Comprising 12 group coaching lessons and 12 supervised practice sessions covering golf etiquette and the Rules of Golf, the first one, running for 24 weeks and costing £36, starts in February 2014.
Upon successful completion, participants will be offered a six-month Woodpecker Membership at £25.50 allowing them continued use of the Club’s facilities together with further participation in some of the Club’s Junior Section activities.
Applications for the Laura Davies Scholarship and the WoodpeckerAcademy close on Monday 20 January 2014.
Further details from admin@wbgc.co.uk, or by telephoning 01932 343433, option 6.
West Byfleet Golf Club www.wbgc.co.uk