Shropshire first to win golf award

As part of its determined push to promote the ladies' game in the county, Shropshire Ladies County Golf Association has landed the 'Women in Golf' charter status.

SLCGA organisers aim to continue building on impressive early groundwork and encourage even more woman of all ages on to the green this year.

The county already boasts more than 1,000 women golfers from 23 clubs.

“We aim to promote women’s golf as a game for all ages," said SLCGA chairman and Shrewsbury Golf Club president Linda Mottram. "It’s a wonderful sport and because of its handicap system it allows people of all abilities to play.

“You make friends, enjoy the outdoors and the sport lifts your spirits and is good for everyone’s well being.

“We have some of the best golf clubs in the country. You can play underneath the Hawkstone Follies, alongside the River Severn at Bridgnorth or even get a glimpse of Snowdon from the cliffs of Llanymynech."

To secure the status from the national body, the county association improved communications across the board, launched a junior ambassador programme and helped county clubs gain charter membership.

The Women in Golf charter aims to make the sport – of which around 84 per cent is male, 13 per cent is female and three per cent juniors – more inclusive and to help ladies and girls thrive.

England Golf’s Women and Girls in Golf Manager Lauren Spray praised the influence that Shropshire County Ladies has on the women's game.

She said: “Shropshire has always been an association which has championed the women’s game and it’s great to see them continue this commitment by becoming a Charter signatory.

“There is a real energy driving the association and a strong desire to introduce the game to newcomers of all ages. Opening doors and creating opportunities for females on and off the course will be a huge positive for golf in the area.”

Women and girls interested in playing golf can find out what is on offer near them by visiting www.shropslcga.org/slcga-golf-courses/