Golf's heroines are celebrated in inaugural golf week

Mary Richardson, the junior convenor at Craigmillar Park, reckons the Capital club is a shining example in golf's bid to add some 'girl power'.
Mary Richardson, left, with some fellow golfersMary Richardson, left, with some fellow golfers
Mary Richardson, left, with some fellow golfers

This is the inaugural Women and Girls’ Golf Week, which is taking place across Great Britain & Ireland to celebrate the successes of females in many different roles in golf and to “challenge misconceptions” in the sport.

As part of that, Scottish Golf has been profiling some of the hidden heroes in the game, one of them being Richardson, who is a member at both Craigmillar Park and Dunbar.

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“I have been involved as a volunteer with golf for many years with my club, county and with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (now Scottish Golf),” she said.

“My current role as junior convenor is probably the most frustrating and time consuming one, but by far the most rewarding.

“Watching and supporting young people as they learn and develop, make friends, have fun and fall in love with the game, as I have, is such a privilege.

“Also, it’s fantastic to see so many young girls take up golf and join our club. We currently have 25 girls, just over a third of our junior membership.

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“To watch them walking up the fairways, chatting, laughing and enjoying their golf, always puts a smile on my face.”

The hashtag being used on social media for Women and Girls’ Golf Week is #WhyIGolf and answering that Richardson added: “I love golf mostly for the friendships.

“Through golf I have friends of all ages, all over the country and internationally as well. It’s a game where people of different ages and abilities, men, women, boys and girls, can play together.

“And for young people, not only does it keep them fit 
and active, and out in the fresh air, but it also teaches them honesty and integrity and helps develops their social skills.”

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Each day this week has dbeen evoted to creating awareness of different facets, namely female careers in the golf industry, volunteers and unsung heroes, health and wellbeing, performance, participation and 
championships.

Coming on the back of the R&A launching a Women in Golf Charter earlier this year, the aim is to try and persuade more women and girls to play the game.

“Give it a go – you can start at any age,” said Richardson in adding her voice to the campaign. “Speak to your club and get some lessons from your local pro.

“Group lessons are a fun way to start.

“ You will have such fun and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.”