A North Wales golf club has become one of the first in Wales to elect a lady president, after more than a century of male monopoly of the role.
Mrs Janet Davies has been appointed president of Bangor St Deiniol golf club after two successful years as the Lady Captain, when the ladies team won promotion from Division 5 to Division 4 of the North Wales Ladies Counties League.
It is the first time in its 109 year history that Bangor St Deiniol Golf Club has appointed a lady member as its Club President. One of the first actions in her new role was to organise a very successful Family Fun Day at the club with more than fifty potential junior and lady members attending.
The club is putting the finishing touches to plans for those interested to have professional lessons from Matthew Wharton, PGA professional. These are being arranged with the active support of Golf Development Wales. The club now has a golf studio within the clubhouse which will allow lessons to be held in all weathers and during the hours of darkness.
“This is a really nice development to see and shows women can make a huge contribution to their golf club, which can be recognised by their members,” said Hannah Fitzpatrick, Golf Union of Wales director of development.
“It is rare in Wales to see a lady becoming club president, but it helps to show that developing women’s and girls golf is a key to increasing club membership in these challenging times.”
Davies is looking forward to increasing club membership as one of the main parts of her role.
“It is a great honour to be elected the first lady Club President and it is certainly a break with tradition,” she said. “I was concerned at first how the members at St. Deiniol would take to the change, but everyone has been very supportive.
“I have been a member at St Deiniol for a number of years and was the Lady Captain in 2013/14.
“During my time as a member and latterly as Lady Captain I have seen a change in attitude at the club, with the ladies section becoming more integrated into the day to day running of the club, and the decision making process.
“I aim to build on this and take the club forward as a modern, all inclusive club, where male, female and junior members are all treated equally. I hope that together we can build on the success of recent years, and with an enthusiastic group of greenkeepers and volunteers will see the course improve year on year.
“As part of my role as President I hope to be able to complete various projects including encouraging and mentoring new members, male, female and juniors, and also to improve facilities on the course.”
Bangor St Deiniol Golf Club http://www.bangorgolf.co.uk/
Golf Development Wales www.golfdevelopmentwales.org