See all the latest news stories from Royal Ascot Golf Club
On Tue August 22 2023, by Stephen Nicholson
Golf enthusiast encourages others to get into the swing of her new-found passion
A golf enthusiast who first learnt to play at her local course during the COVID-19 pandemic is encouraging others to tee-off by trying their hand at one of the UK’s fastest growing sports.
Lesley O’Doherty opted for life on the fairway following her retirement three years ago and is now a fully-fledged member at Royal Ascot Golf Club in Berkshire where she plays in tournaments and is part of the club’s thriving social scene.
Her new-found passion was facilitated by the course’s Golf Academy Scheme, which is managed by PGA Professional Rob Daw.
Designed for players of all abilities and experiences, the Academy targets individuals looking to take their first steps in golf and existing players wishing to hone their skills via group lessons, one-on-one sessions and integrating into the club’s buddy scheme.
Now playing off a handicap 14 shots lower to when she first started, Lesley hopes to encourage a new generation of golfers to experience the sport’s health and social benefits.
“Golf has always interested myself and I had played some par-three courses years ago with my husband,” said Lesley. “But I started at Royal Ascot as a complete novice with very little knowledge or skill of the game.
“Golf is a social sport, so joining alone with no experience might seem a bit daunting. But I was made very welcome and with Rob’s support the process of developing my skills on the course was very enjoyable.
“The social aspect is really important. I’ve found golf to be a great way to meet new, likeminded, people who I can play with in a relaxed environment that keeps me active and in the outdoors.”
Data from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) with England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf revealed golf participation across the UK rose to 5.6million in 2022. This figure represents the second highest number of players on record and is an increase of 1.9million people since 2019.
In addition, 20% of adult players were female last year compared to just 15% in 2019 while research by the R&A revealed the average golfer lives five years longer than non-golfers with a typical 18-hole course burning 2,000 calories.
Lesley added: “People value their mental and physical wellbeing differently now compared to before the outbreak of COVID-19.
“Golf gives me the perfect excuse to be outside, get moving and integrate with others in a world where it can be so easy to live in your own bubble. I couldn’t recommend Royal Ascot Golf Club’s Academy scheme and taking up golf generally enough.
“It’s been a great experience for me and can hopefully encourage others to engage with the sport.”
Royal Ascot Golf Club PGA Professional Rob Daw added: “Lesley’s story epitomises how golf can be enjoyed by people of all ages, experiences and even those without a prior touchpoint to the sport.
“Our Academy was established with the primary purpose of engaging new players and helping people develop their skills on the course. We’re pleased to see Lesley has followed this pathway and look forward to following her progress.”
Founded in 1887, Royal Ascot Golf Club was granted Royal status by Queen Victoria and is set in 150 acres of wooded Crown land off Winkfield Road and adjacent to the world-famous racecourse.
Further information about the course’s Academy is available via www.royalascotgolfclub.co.uk.
Academy membership includes 12 x 30 minute lessons, 6 x 1 hour group sessions, social membership, 10 x 9 hole green fee vouchers, one driving range token each day, discounted lessons and green fees, an introduction to the club’s buddy scheme and quarterly golf events.
Ends