Mum's The Word for Golf Event in Warwickshire

Mum’s the word when it comes to joining the drive to take up golf in Warwickshire.

A group of ladies who follow the website Mums in the Know – which helps highlight potential activities for parents and their families - enjoyed a free taster session at The Belfry as part of the nationwide campaign to help people give the sport a go.

Free taster sessions and discounted golf lessons are available as part of the scheme which the Warwickshire County Golf Partnership oversees at clubs across the county.

The Belfry, which can be found in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, laid on a warm welcome for the newcomers.

PGA professional Philip Dye, who delivered the session with Stuart Boyle, explains: “We only had three mums in a group of 17 with any real experience of golf, so we spent a couple of hours showing the chipping, putting and spending time on the driving range. Afterwards the mums enjoyed an afternoon tea in the clubhouse which gave them a great chance to share their experiences.

“Nine of the mums have now signed up for a six-week Get into golf course. The 90 minute group sessions takes place each Saturday and costs them just £25.”

Fiona Pendleton and Kerrie Rowson, local area managers for Mums in the Know Sutton Coldfield, said: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to invite our Mums in the Know followers to the Get into golf event at such a prestigious location as The Belfry.

“We received expert coaching from the professionals on how to swing a golf club on the driving range as well as having a go at chipping and putting.

“The afternoon was really relaxed and provided lots of giggles while also enjoying the fresh air and making new friends.  We even found a few ladies who are naturals at the sport and signed up for a course of golf lessons on the day.

“We’d like to thank Warwickshire County Golf Partnership and the PGA professionals for a really enjoyable afternoon.”

Kate Foley, a mum of one from Streetly who attended the event said: “It was an excellent opportunity to test out something I had never considered before.

“We had such a giggle and I have already been back to a driving range since as I loved it! The instructors definitely convinced me that golf can be a great hobby for women and it seems much more sociable than I had imagined. Looking forward to my next basket of balls!”

Karen Masterson, a mum of two from Sutton, added: “The day at The Belfry was just fantastic! Everyone was most friendly and I didn’t feel intimidated at all. I felt the coach gave us individual tips, which was great.

“When we were then given warms scones, with jam and clotted cream, I was absolutely delighted, particularly as it had started to get cold outside.

“Both my friend and I have signed up for the six lessons at the Belfry with Phil and we have encouraged another friend to join, too! The lessons are fun and challenging enough to keep us motivated and I would like to thank the club, Mums in the Know and the Warwickshire County Golf Partnership for offering such a great event.”

Julia Burton, county development officer for the Warwickshire County Golf Partnership, said: “This kind of event goes to show how easy it is to give golf a go – and how much fun it can be – and how it can be offered to organisations or businesses, too.

“Whether it be youngsters from the brownies or scouts, a group of work colleagues or members of the increasing number of networks on social media or the internet, a visit to your local golf club can prove to be a real eye-opener about how enjoyable the sport can be.”

Julia adds: “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.

Discounted lessons can cost as little as £25 for a five-week course.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766

For more details of the Warwickshire County Golf Partnerships activities, visit www.warwickshiregolf.info