Queen's Golf Female Participation Programme: Come and Try Golf for Women
Who are we?
We are Queen's University Golf Club, committed to creating exciting and inclusive golfing opportunities for students. Our "Come and Try Golf for Women" programme introduces female students to golf in a fun, accessible, and supportive environment. This initiative is designed to inspire confidence, build skills, and foster a sense of belonging among participants who may have never played golf before.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Participation in golf among women has traditionally been low, particularly at Queen’s. Many female students perceive golf as difficult to learn, exclusive, or unsuitable for beginners. This programme seeks to break down these barriers through structured, engaging sessions that make golf an accessible and enjoyable experience.
Programme Timeline
We plan to deliver this programme over 8 weeks from February to March 2025, with two sessions held per week.
This initiative will:
- Introduce golf through progressive coaching over 8 weeks.
- Build participants’ confidence and skills, culminating in a 9-hole team round.
- Foster camaraderie and community spirit through shared experiences on and off the course.
By supporting this project, you’ll help create opportunities for women to explore a sport that promotes both physical and mental well-being.
Budget Breakdown
Your support will help us deliver a high-quality programme that focuses on inclusivity and skill development. Our initiative reflects a total target of £10,000, with 50% match funding from Sport NI’s "Creating Opportunities" programme. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Coaching Fees:
- Cost: 16 sessions = £1,200
Each session is 2 hours long to accommodate as many members as possible, with an additional coach supplied when needed. - Details: Delivered by PGA-qualified coach Phil Leathem at Laganview Golf Centre - https://skillest.com/coach/phil-leathem-2
Facility Hire:
- 16 sessions at Laganview Golf Centre = £800
- Details: Weekly access to Laganview’s driving range and short-game facilities.
Equipment:
- Cost: £2,500
- 6 sets beginner-friendly golf clubs (£259pp) for shared use
https://www.andrewmorrisgolf.com/collections/ladies-golf-package-sets/products/macgregor-cg3000-ladies-golf-half-package-set-stand-bag - 6 sets of golf balls (£40pp)
https://www.andrewmorrisgolf.com/collections/wilson-staff-golf-balls/products/wilson-staff-model-golf-balls-white - 6 putting matts (£60pp)
https://www.andrewmorrisgolf.com/products/pure-2-improve-golf-practice-putting-matt-237cm?_pos=3&_psq=matt&_ss=e&_v=1.0 - 6 golf mats (£30pp) required for seasonal golf
- Golf tees, ball markers and pitch repairs for group (£160 total)
Golf Course Access:
- Cost: £1,000
- Our student club has existing partnerships with several local courses including Malone Golf Club and Balmoral Golf Club.
- As detailed in our programme overview below, we will require course access for groups of beginners.
Transport Subsidies:
- Cost: £1,750
- Details: Subsidized transportation for participants to and from Laganview Golf Centre to ensure accessibility. Additional subsidised transport also required for golf course access and events.
Digital Learning Resources:
- Cost: £750
- https://skillest.com/app/courses/
- Includes access to a library of online tutorials and videos tailored to beginner golfers. Resources will be hosted on a user-friendly platform for ongoing skill development.
- Our PGA coach listed above uses this platform and will post additional resources for further development
Community Engagement Workshop:
- Cost: £500
- Details: Led by a local mental health professional, focusing on how sports like golf contribute to well-being. Includes practical exercises and group discussions.
Programme Coordination and Marketing:
- Cost: £1,500
- Details: Covers paid social media advertising, promotional material design, targeted email campaigns, and administrative support.
Programme Overview
Week 1:
1. Welcome to Golf - Introduction to grip, stance, and club handling.
2. Driving Range Basics - Learning full-swing fundamentals with irons.
Week 2:
3. Chipping Fundamentals - Introduction to the short game.
4. Putting Skills - Basics of alignment and stroke control.
Week 3:
5. Swing Refinement - Improving consistency with irons.
6. Short Game Practice - Focus on chipping accuracy.
Week 4:
7. Putting Mastery - Drills and games to build confidence.
8. Practice on Course - Guided play on 3-4 holes.
Week 5:
9. Full Swing Review - Refining the long game.
10. Short Game Integration - Combining chipping and putting techniques.
Week 6:
11. Course Strategy - Navigating obstacles and shot selection.
12. Team Play Practice - Coordinating as a group.
Week 7:
13. Advanced Techniques - Improving distance control and accuracy.
14. On-Course Play - Applying skills in real-game situations.
Week 8:
15. Mini-Tournament Preparation - Final review and practice.
16. Celebration Event - Mini-tournament, awards, and participant feedback.
Community Impact
This programme aims to introduce women to golf in an accessible and enjoyable way, removing barriers to participation and fostering a lifelong connection to the sport. By addressing common misconceptions and providing the necessary resources, we hope to inspire more women to engage with golf for their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for networking and building long-term relationships within the Queen’s University community.
How you can help
Make a pledge: Every donation helps us hit our target and bring this programme to life.Spread the word: Share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues.Support our participants: Cheer on the women stepping into golf for the first time and representing Queen’s at a national level.