Mum’s Get into Golf
CAPTION: Mums from the Mums in the Know network loved their free taster event at Alderley Edge Golf Club.
MUM’S the word when it comes to joining the drive to take up golf.
A group of women from the north west Mums in the Know network enjoyed a free taster event at Alderley Edge Golf Club as part of England Golf’s campaign to encourage more women to take up the game.
Alderley Edge GC – which can be found in Brook Lane – rolled out the welcome mat for the newcomers from the Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Knutsford MIK networks.
Like most of the others taking part Karen Faust, 42, who has two daughters aged eight and nine, had never played before but had always fancied giving golf a go.
“I always wanted to try golf but just hadn’t got round to it yet, so saw the taster day as a good opportunity to see if I liked it,” says Karen, from Wilmslow. “In fact, I liked it even more than I expected!
“I lead a busy life with two young daughters so it was a welcome opportunity to completely switch off and take some time out for myself. I also loved the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings – the golf course was beautiful.
“We learned the basics of how to hold the club and stand then we tried some putting. It’s definitely whetted my appetite and hopefully I’ll play more at some point in the future. It’s definitely on my ‘to do’ list.”
Karen continued: “We were all really surprised at how affordable the Get into golf lessons are. I’d assumed beginner lessons would be far more expensive.
“It’s was great fun and we all really enjoyed ourselves.”
Many of the mums said they found the game less daunting than they had initially thought and felt encouraged to continue developing their newly-found golf skills.
Organiser Esther Scott said the mums had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
She explained: “Nine mums, all with no golf experience, made our way up the long drive of Alderley Edge Golf Club feeling slightly nervous. We were met with the warmest of welcomes from the lovely Gwyn, one of the club’s members, who put everyone at ease straight away.
“After a quick introduction to fellow Get into golf sign-ups, we had coffee and cake and were introduced to PGA professional Charles Le Seur, who was going to be taking the event.
“With excellent guidance from Charles and his assistant about the basics of how to hold the club and how to stand, the fun began. After all of 10 minutes of seriousness, the laughs became plentiful, not at the expense of each other’s beginner’s skills, but rather at the competitiveness of everybody trying to chip a hole in one!”
For more details on Get into golf and Alderley Edge Golf Club’s offer of a five-week beginners course for just £25, visit getintogolf.org or call 0800 118 2766.
Sean Hammill, county development officer for the Cheshire Golf Development Group, said: “This kind of event goes to show how easy it is to give golf a go – and how much fun it can be.
“A lot of people have entirely the wrong impression about the sport and the clubs. Once they take the plunge, they find that the clubs are more than welcoming, that expert coaching is available to help them get to grips with the skills required to play and that golf provides a healthy activity with a strong social side to it.
“It is a sport that can be played by all ages and abilities and there has never been a better time to take up the sport because the clubs are making it so easy with free taster sessions, discounted golf coaching and membership deals.”
Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire new golfers run by the England Golf Partnership through its network of County Golf Partnerships, which work to grow the game.
Get into golf opportunities include free or low-cost beginner courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends.
To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766
For more details on the work of the Cheshire CGP visit www.cheshiregolfpartnership.com
For more details on the activities of the Mums in the Know network visit https://www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/east-cheshire
