Narrabri Golf Club’s nine-hole ladies’ ambrose a hit with beginner players

Women’s golf is on the rise in Narrabri, with the Narrabri Golf Club’s recent women’s event drawing more than 50 players, many of whom were new golfers.

Narrabri Golfie Pro Shop’s Graeme Trew and Nicole Cooper organised the nine-hole event and told The Courier they were overwhelmed with the number of players that teed off. There were 51 golfers in action, well exceeding their expectations of a field of about 30.

The event was held as part of a push to give local female golfers an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere to try the sport.

It was a four-person ambrose, with at least two players in all teams required to be non-handicap players to encourage new and beginner golfers to get involved in a relaxed and team-oriented environment.

Trew was thrilled with the event and said that he, Cooper and the Narrabri Golf Club were looking forward to hosting a four-week training program for beginner lady golfers next month, that is designed to help keen golfers learn just enough about the game and the basic skills to get out on course and play with confidence.

“We were absolutely happy with the turnout. We expected 30 to play,” Trew said.

“What surprised me the most was the help from our members. We had 20 members and 31 beginners, which was just great.

“We tried to put two members with two of the non-handicap players to help guide them around the course a little bit and help with things like club selection and the format of the event.

“Some teams had one member to three of the beginner players.

“We’re trying to get more people, especially the ladies, playing the game. The club is awesome and they get right behind it. We’re not trying to make any money out of it, we just want to get people playing the game.”

The event was played across the back nine, from holes 10 to 18.

The winning team included Cara Stoltenberg, Melissa Hall, Alex Conroy and Ellie Packer, who won from the second-placed team Natalie Gourley, Louise Penberthy, Ros Williams and Indiana Canfell.

Annette Condon, Robyn Smith, Shari Stanford and Fiona Redfern placed third, Emma John, Leisa Eather, Chrissy Southwell and Tianne Parker placed fourth, and Ros Duff, Myra Joseph, Gail Richardson and Sharon Dewsbury placed fifth.

Nearest to pins were won by Sandra Nott on the 12th and Melissa Hall on the 16th.