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It was an advertisement in a local newspaper that Malabar’s Annette Wilmot found impossible to resist.
“I thought it was a good opportunity to get fit and meet new people,” she said.
For the last few weeks, under the guidance of instructor Andrea McGann, Mrs Wilmot has been participating in a specially formulated golf program aimed at introducing women to the sport and to help them get fit.
Last Friday she joined a group of around 30 ladies who had completed the six-week course for an impromptu nine-hole ambrose competition at the The Coast Golf Club.
They had a ball, despite the odd mis-hit and errant tee shot.
“It’s been good,” she said. "There a lot of walking involved, and we do a bootcamp on Friday. It’s improved my fitness.”
Mrs Wilmot’s husband and her three sons, aged in their 20’s, all play golf socially. They were taken aback at the outset by her decision to get involved in the sport, but are now witnessing first-hand her improvement.
“They had a laugh at first, but now I’m now getting close to catching up to their scores, the pressure is on,” she smiled.
As for her husband, Mrs Wilmot laughed;”I am hoping one day I can get a better score than him.”
Andrea Mc Gann, the day’s host, was thrilled with the number of women that turned out on the sunny afternoon.
“The women enjoy these games and I receive plenty of emails of thanks after each one, commenting on how they enjoying playing with women of similar abilities and having a laugh along the way.”
Ms McGann said she has run a number of courses designed to get women into golf and believes it is a great sport for women of all ages.
“Over the last 12 months I have run the Swing Fit program at Woollahra, Randwick, Bardwell Valley, Bondi, Eastlake and Botany golf clubs, attracting over 150 women.”
“A large number of these women are now playing regular golf with their new friends,” she added.
Ms McGann said she will be hosting four more Come & Try sessions for first-time women golfers at four Golf Clubs next month. She’s hopeful there will be plenty of interest.
The Come & Try dates are:
Bardwell Valley golf Club Tuesday 21st November at 1.30pm
Randwick Golf Club Wednesday 22nd November at 1.30pm
Eastlake Golf Club Friday 24th November at 1pm
Eastlake Golf Club Saturday 25th November at 1pm.
To register click HERE