Women's sections at golf clubs: How to find the right one for you

For women and girls who are new to the game, it can be tricky to know which golf club to join. PGA Play speaks to PGA Professional Meghan Hopkins, who offers her expert insight to highlight the key factors you should consider

Choosing which golf club to join can be a tough decision. It’s one that is far from straightforward but is extremely important in finding a setting that helps you to enjoy playing the game. Here are my five top tips to help you make the right choice.

Are there weekend competitions for everyone?

I'd definitely say that competitions on a weekend are a major plus. And not just competitions on the weekend, but ones that are very much accepting, because some competitions are just a men's Stableford or a ladies’ Stableford. I prefer to see competitions that are open to everyone, not based on gender.

What positions and people are on the committees?

Have they got any newer, younger figures? Have they got any females that are trying to guide the way? The view of a committee has always been a men's captain, a ladies’ captain and their respective vice captains. But other than that, it's more than likely the majority of the committee is male heavy. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, but if you are talking about a scenario or situation and you don't know anything about it, how can you have a clear idea of what to do to change it?

The best person to ask about getting ladies into golf is a lady. They will have a very clear view of what they want. Some of these ladies might literally just want the social aspect. They might want to go play a few holes, go into the clubhouse, have a drink after and have a chat. Some of them will want to get a handicap and then to reduce that handicap. They will want to play in the county comps and the ladies' comps. Well, how can you do that? People who are working aren't going to be able to make a coffee morning on a Wednesday, they'll need something at the weekend. You've got to have someone that understands these things.

Look for a welcoming and supportive golf club culture

If you get chance, go and see the people in the pro shop and those people that run the facility. Go and see if they are warm, welcoming and opening to encouraging new people to join. That's a first port of call. If you go to a golf club, who's the first person you see? The person in the pro shop. If they don't care or aren't responsive to what you're asking, well, that's going to give you a bit of an indication as to what it’s like. 

Look at the golf course and general facilities

Let’s consider the actual golf course itself: How it's maintained, how it's looked after. It’s as simple as going out there and seeing what condition the ladies’ tee boxes are in, to gauge how much a club care about them. I've been on some golf courses where they are pointing in a different direction to the men's, which are pointing straight down to the fairway. 

In conclusion, find a golf club and a golf course that are going to meet your needs, your requirements and your ability. Other things to keep an eye out for, as silly as they may sound, are to see if there is a bathroom out on the course and a halfway house. It’s whatever makes you more comfortable in your environment.

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