As 2021 draws to a close, two clubs that received the Australian Golf Foundation’s inaugural junior girls golf scholarship funding, reflect, and give thanks to what has been an extraordinary first year…

The 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.

Each centre received five scholarships that were used to help girls:

• Advance their skills through coaching

• Obtain a handicap

• Play in club competitions

• Form lifelong golfing friendships with other girls and members

Synopsis by Robert Dehne, Director of Golf, Darwin Golf Club, NT: 

Darwin Golf Club was honoured to be selected as one of the host clubs for the Australian Golf Foundation scholarship program.

We thank AGF, Golf Australia and Bonnie Boezeman for the inspiration and passion that drives the program.

In the past girls have tended to come and go but this program is keeping the girls playing and forming friendships. 

The girls set their goals early in the year, by mid-year we really started to see improvements in all five girls by the end of term three we really started to fly.

The girls showed dedication and determination throughout the year even when challenged with the sweltering tropical heat from the wet season humidity.

The girls have been an inspiration to other girls with more girls now joining the programs in the hope of being selected for upcoming scholarship programs.

It was a proud moment for me seeing these girls achieve so many goals and seeing so many proud parents at our scholarship presentation night.

We look forward to seeing these girls continue playing golf next year and seeing the six new girls who are starting out early next year.

Many thanks again for this wonderful opportunity.

Darwin’s five scholarship recipients achieved their goals, had a lot of fun and there was even a feat that most golfers can only dream of along the way. Here is what they had to say about the year they have had:

Gemma – “When I started the scholarship program my swing was all over the place. Now, I can hit it past the 100m and I had a hole-in-one on the range!”

Sophie - “Great experience, I learnt to hit it straight and reduced my handicap to 41. I also had an interview on ABC radio with Charlie King.”

Summer - “I started out on a 40 handicap and now through improvement it’s now a 22 handicap.”

Allegra - “My experience with Golf Australia has been amazing and lots of fun. I’ve made new friends and achieved my goal of getting my handicap.”

Carley - “Golf is a really fun sport and can be played at any age. I achieved my goal of hitting it past the 100m.”

Cousin Comrade at Gove Country Golf Club, NT

Staying in the Northern Territory, it was a family affair at Gove Country Golf Club where cousins Erin Miles and Poppy Ross both held a scholarship.

They developed their love of the game together and bonded more closely thanks to their time spent on the course and the practice areas.

"It was awesome to be able to spend time with my cousin Poppy playing golf, and it was great to be able to improve my skills," Miles said.

"I've loved being out on the course and spending time with the girls, and especially with my cousin Erin," Ross said.

Synopsis by Esther Rika, Community Instructor and Junior Manager at Gove Country Golf Club, NT:

We held a presentation for our 2021 scholarship girls where each graduate received a certificate along with a Callaway gift (cap and sleeve of balls) that was kindly gifted by Callaway.

It’s been great to see how much each of the girls have progressed with their golf. Congratulations Erin for working hard towards getting your handicap. Overall, all have achieved their own goals for the year and we’re so proud of all your efforts. 

We’re looking forward to continuing this program into 2022, along with 134 other Golf Clubs around the country.  Six girls have been selected to join the program next year.

Thank you to the Gove Golfie staff, committee, volunteers, Community Instructors and PGA Instructor Graham Bolton for your support. Also thank you to the AGF and Golf Australia for this great opportunity.

Over 130 clubs across Australia have received 2022 funding. For more information visit https://www.australiangolffoundation.org.au/vision-2025

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.

Thank you to Callaway for providing every 2021 scholarship graduate with a gift pack.