GOLF AUSTRALIA NEWS
and learning; she makes a point of helping her
participants to feel comfortable on the golf
course.
Any cynicism that may have existed about the
program from her host clubs has been blown
away by the reality of Swing Fit participants
buying clubs, clothes and equipment and
becoming club members!
With a full-time role at Kooyonga, Susie’s
situation is a bit different to Andrea’s, but her
focus is just the same – showing women and
girls how much fun they can have learning and
playing golf. learn and have fun on the course!”
“I believe newcomers to the game must
be made to feel comfortable in their
surroundings,” says Mathews. “Fun formats are fun for everyone, not just
beginners. Let’s play more foursomes and
ambrose,” says Lemon.
“My aim is always to have people laughing with
friends and hitting some memorable shots.” She finds perceptions of golf the most
challenging though – something that’s been
called out as a priority in ‘Vision 2025 – The
future of women and girls in golf’.
Susie is clearly doing that. Her Wednesday
afternoon MyGolf girls program and her ability
to get mums into the game have had a great
impact on female participation at Kooyonga
and rank among her proudest achievements.
She’s seen the game at the top level, having
competed on the Japanese LPGA Tour and
won as a professional, but still finds golf “a
great way to relax and have fun” herself.
Susie is a big advocate for something that’s
often overlooked at clubs and facilities around
Australia – making sure programs are run at
the right times for the target audience.
It really is the simple things sometimes!
Chatting with Susie highlights another
important factor, and something we see a lot
in our research into golf – as a sport we are
way too focused on competition. Susie would
like us to use fewer clubs and focus on fun
rather than scores.
“One club golf is a great way for women to
Zahara, studying global logistics and maritime
management at the University of Tasmania,
concurs.
“The idea that it is a game for the older
generations and only for men is rather
ridiculous. Every day I try to do a little bit to
help create a better reputation for golf in
Tasmania,” says Lemon.
It’s clear when you speak to Zahara that
she believes changing golf to make it more
accessible and enjoyable for women will help
the game as a whole.
“We need to show people that golf can be
played in two hours. We need to keep pushing
nine-hole golf, offer fun group learning with
PGA professionals and work harder to create
welcoming atmospheres at our clubs and
facilities.”
Wise words, young lady!
For more information, write to
[email protected] with ideas or queries about
how to help us grow the game.
WWW.GMA.ORG.AU
I
27