The team at Westward Ho Golf Club in South Australia has been learning from the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship program along with its formal participants, the girls.

“We saw the scholarship program as a great opportunity to strengthen the pathway from MyGolf to club golf,” Westward Ho manager Steven Freeling said.

“We also signed up as a way to learn how to best accommodate this demographic to ensure young girls continue to enjoy the sport and be lifelong participants.”

The club is doing an excellent job of that, as well as engaging girls to continue playing with plenty of help from – and praise for – local PGA teaching professional Anne-Marie Knight.

“Anne-Marie has played an integral role, not only with this program but junior development,” Freeling said.

“The girls are really enjoying her coaching and enthusiasm and, in return, Anne-Marie is enjoying being a part of this new program.”

One participant improving under Anne-Marie’s watchful eye is Holly.

“Anne-Marie is super encouraging,” Holly explained.

“I like the atmosphere she is creating with our group of girls.”

Despite the girls’ appreciation for having fun with each other, there is also a strong drive for self-improvement.

Kate, another participant, added: “My aim for this program is to improve in all areas of the game – my short game, long game and putting. I want to get better scores in the competitions that I participate in from all the practising that I am doing.”

Freeling was thrilled with the interaction of all involved, from the girls to those involved at the club.

”Our club’s aim is to improve the pathway from MyGolf into club golf for girls. We wish to improve retention in this demographic and assist these girls to be life-long golfers and become future role models within the club.

“Our committee, membership and community are extremely supportive of this initiative.

“We are excited to see what the future holds for this group and future girls to come and will continue to learn from this demographic about how we best service their needs and wants.”

Learn more about the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Golf Scholarship program via the Vision 2025 website.

The Australian Golf Foundation 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.