While Fulwell Golf Club in Middlesex has long enjoyed a thriving junior section of 130 members, a review 18 months ago revealed a significant gap
Only six of those members were girls, and many weren’t actively playing. Junior Organiser Russ Groombridge and the team set out to change that, focusing on social connection and fun to make the club a destination for girls.
The results have been transformative. By inviting existing members to bring friends and hosting high-energy games on the putting green, the club made golf a social event. After signing up for Girls Golf Rocks, almost 20 girls have progressed through the coaching programme. Today, the number of girl members has jumped from six to nearly 30—a 400% increase.
WHAT THEY DID DIFFERENTLY
Fulwell broke down the social and physical barriers that often stop girls from staying in the sport. They introduced “Girls & Ladies Get Togethers,” where teams of two girls and two lady members play a 9-hole scramble. To build independence and social confidence, parents are encouraged to leave their daughters with the lady members during play.
Recognising that 18 holes can be intimidating, the club installed specific forward tees for juniors and focused on shorter, faster formats. The “social” doesn’t end on the 9th green; everyone heads to the clubhouse for tea and cakes (and a G&T for the ladies!), fostering a mentorship culture where the adult members are now the biggest advocates for the junior girls.
THE IMPACT
"“We have lots of competitions at Fulwell and even if you don't win, everyone gets sweets and a golf ball. The lady members are really kind to us, and some of my school friends are now learning to play.”"
