Bonnie Doon Golf Club, sitting within eight kilometres of the Sydney CBD, is home to eight budding golfers.

These golfers, who are girls aged 10 – 16, have all come through the club’s MyGolf programs and are now proud recipients of an Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship.

“It is an enjoyable part of the job,” said Richard Hogg, General Manager at Bonnie Doon. “Just like any other sporting club, our job as a golf club is to get as many involved in the sport as possible, particularly those who would not normally have the opportunity. In golf’s case, girls!”

As a part of the national initiative that in 2022 funds 117 clubs, each girl holds a scholarship at their local club, which includes tuition, a one-year membership, and a branded shirt and cap for the girls to wear, with pride.

“With 52 children enrolled in our recent local junior program and half being girls, the scholarship program works as the perfect transition into on-course play and membership, said Hogg.

“These girls receive membership as a part of the scholarship and like all new members, attend our new member induction session. This is where new members enjoy meeting one another, receive a tour of the club and learn about the rules and benefits of being a member. The girls were extremely focused and engaged in their session, with a lot of questions asked. They are a wonderful group, and we’re excited to see them develop as golfers and club members over the year, and beyond.

“The AGF scholarship program has enabled us to expand our offerings and continue to get more girls playing. We already host a wide range of programs and initiatives designed to engage women and girls in the game for the first time, and this is a bonus.”

The concept has been so well received; Bonnie Doon Golf Club has committed to running the scholarship format for three years to increase female numbers.

“We are fortunate to have our Board, management team, professional golf coaches and volunteer members committed to that objective,” adds Hogg.

For more information and to see a list of funded centres, visit the Australian Golf Foundation website.

Australian Golf Foundation is thrilled to partner with NEXTGEN Group as the principal partner of the AGF Scholarship Programme in 2022, with significant further support provided by Golf Australia, Golf Victoria, Victorian Golf Foundation, Golf Queensland, Golf South Australia, Golf Tasmania, Golf Western Australia, Western Australian Golf Foundation, Golf Northern Territory, Jack Newton Junior Golf, Golf Management Australia, WPGA Tour of Australasia and PGA of Australia, as well as a number of additional generous private benefactors.

Australian Golf Foundation (AGF) is the national foundation for golf in Australia. The AGF supports Golf Australia’s vision to grow golf by investing in targeted initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy and play the game. Visit australiangolffoundation.org.au for further information.

The scholarship program has come to fruition thanks to the foresight and generosity of Bonnie Boezeman AO, Director of the Australian Golf Foundation, who originally established the program at Killara Golf Club, NSW.