WOMEN’S golf is on the increase and the numbers are likely to swell after the launch of a new initiative across Durham aimed at attracting more newcomers to the sport.

Eleven golf clubs from around the region are taking part in the women’s Get into Golf programme, encouraging girls and ladies to try the sport.

The clubs backing the scheme are offering up free taster sessions and low cost coaching and membership packages to give them a taste for hitting the fairways and greens.

It will run throughout the summer and the move is a follow up from a success story at Dinsdale Spa Golf Club, where 12 new women members joined last year.

Phil Graham, development officer for the Durham Golf Development Group, said: “Dinsdale Golf and Spa showed that by bringing together the skills and knowledge within the club and the help available to them from supporters like the Durham Golf Development Group, it is possible to have a positive impact on membership numbers.

“Taster sessions are a fantastic way to give golf a go – there is no need to feel shy. The rest of the group will be in a very similar situation to you and it is great to share the experience of learning a new skill together.

“The follow-on coaching provides expert advice on how to get the best out of your golf and again it is in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Going on to become a member of a club not only provides a regular opportunity for exercise out in the fresh air, but a great social life with like-minded people, too.”

The follow-up beginners coaching is available – with five lessons with a PGA qualified professional costing £25 – while the clubs are offering low-cost membership deals to provide a warm welcome for newcomers to the sport and club life.

The midweek and weekend sessions have start this month and run beyond that. The clubs taking part are Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Dinsdale Spa, George Washington, Hobson, Oakleaf, Ramside Hall, South Moor, Wearside, Whickham and Woodham.

Cathy Bowerbank, a senior club mentor at Dinsdale Spa, said: “The ladies we recruited last year are really enjoying being members of our ladies’ section, joining in the golf and social events.

“They have made many new friends and it is very rewarding for us, as mentors who were involved, to see how much pleasure they are getting from golf.”

PGA professional Ernie Wilson, from Woodham, welcomed the move. He said: “Golf is a fantastic game and this is a great opportunity for ladies to try out a new sport with these free of charge taster sessions.”

Anyone interested can find full details of the Get into golf sessions (with online booking available) on the website www.getintogolf.org/durham

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766

The Durham Golf Development Group is supported by the Durham County Golf Union, Durham County Ladies Golf Association and the North East PGA.