Federal funds to getwomen's golf clinic swinging

THE future of women’s golf just got brighter for women living in and around Ballarat, including those who’ve never held a club before.

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King visited the Midlands Golf Club at Invermay Park last Friday to congratulate the organisation on securing over $50,000 in funding through the Federal Government’s Play our Way Program.

It means the club’s Empowering Women in Golf Program can give female players the chance to undertake a subsidised five-week beginners’ clinic to learn the basics of golf with a professional coach.

Just for extra encouragement, participants will receive a golf club as part of the program and after the clinic is complete, each participant will be offered free one-on-one mentoring by a volunteer female club member.

Looking ahead, they’ll also get the chance to participate in competitions at flexible times that work for their schedule.

“We know that women in Australia are under-represented in sport and physical activity,” Ms King said.

“We also know that staying active is important to our physical and mental health and our general wellbeing.

“The Albanese Government created the $200 million Play our Way Program because we want to ensure that women and girls have the facilities and the support they need to stay involved in sport and physical activity for life.”

On the fairway: Golfers Petrina Graham, Jeanette Tocchet, Fiona Davison, Kirsten Naylor and Louise Moneghetti with Member for Ballarat Catherine King celebrate the Midlands Golf Club securing $50,000 in Federal dollars to help run a new beginners’ golfing clinic for women. Photo: EVIE LAMB

Midlands Golf Club Women’s Golf president, keen golfer Fiona Davison, said that while there are many things to love about golf, including travel opportunities to participate in tournaments, it’s the friendships and connections that matter.

“Definitely the camaraderie is what I enjoy most,” she said.

“We are such a friendly club here at Midlands. We want the women who pay golf here to feel comfortable and supported and to have fun.”

PGA coaching professional with Midlands Golf Club Tony Collier said the new program, that aims to include women who might otherwise miss out, starts this month.

Women of all ages are encouraged to reach out to Midlands Golf Club on 5331 4400 to register their interest.