Stoke Park’s Julie Cunnah, who began her golfing life at the club's beginner academy only nine years ago, has just completed her year's captaincy at the club.
Stoke Park’s Julie Cunnah, who began her golfing life at the club's beginner academy only nine years ago, has just completed her year's captaincy at the club.
The former HR training manager decided that, as her husband was already a keen member of the club, the writing was very clearly on the wall.
She explained:
“I decided to take up golf because I could see that in future our holidays would be golf-related. Like the old adage, if you can’t beat them, join them! So I joined the Stoke Park academy with a friend – and we both loved it.
The coaching I received was invaluable, and I believe the academy is now even more comprehensive and structured. Apart from learning how to play, it was also a great way to meet the other ladies in the academy and we’re still friends now.''
“I really loved playing from day one. I was a keen runner and played tennis. I always liked being outdoors and the walking aspect of the golf ticked the exercise box! The more I played the more I got into it.
“I was in the academy for just over a year then joined the ladies golf section. I was then playing with experienced golfers who helped and advised with the rules and etiquette. I’m still learning! All of the members were very friendly and welcoming and that’s what I so loved about this club.”
With a very active ladies membership of more than 120, Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel, in Buckinghamshire, has demonstrated that encouraging female members is not only good for lady golfers, but beneficial to the club as a whole. And, as Julie explained, it’s not resting on its laurels.
“The Academy helps a lot to attract new girls and ladies,” she added.
“We have people who are new to golf who are thinking this is a sport I can do for years, unlike tennis or running where you may have to give up because of knee or hip injuries! The feedback I’m getting from the academy members is that they really enjoy it, as the professionals who run the academy are excellent and we enjoy the best training facilities. We’ve already got a number of academy members who are looking to move into the ladies’ section soon.
“Stoke Park has also implemented an enviable scholarship programme. They have a comprehensive training programme which will develop their talents. Seven of our 15 scholars are girls, which is absolutely wonderful. It is a great sport for young people. The open days and taster sessions also seem to be working, as well – and, also of course, the recent Women’s Golf Day event.”
Yet, in talking with members from other clubs, it’s clear to see that many clubs are – even in the 21st century – not as progressive when it comes to ladies’ golf.
She explained:
“Stoke Park is a very forward-thinking club. It’s not somewhere where you have to be a member for 20 years before you feel you’ve been accepted as part of ‘the group’. Everyone welcomes new blood and new ideas. The spirit within the ladies’ section, especially, is exceptional and it can become an integral part of your social life on all levels.''
“A lot of golf clubs lag behind Stoke Park in attracting ladies. I think the nine-hole competitions are going to enable young people, who have family and work commitments, to come and play. They’ve only got to set aside a couple of hours rather than four-and-a-half. That’s important in making it accessible. We have quite a lot of young, working ladies who come and play at weekends.”
Julie, who is the first academy member to rise to the post of captain, thoroughly enjoyed her year.
“I’m enormously proud to have been lady captain of Stoke Park. It’s a great club to be part of and I had a wonderful committee and very able vice-captain. Now I can concentrate on my golf and get the handicap down ... I’ve just bobbed back up to 27. I think it’s the stresses of high office,” she laughed.
Julie Cunnah is a striking example of how a complete novice can be immersed in golf within a few months and is effectively a standard bearer for lady beginners. And, just to cap it all off, she’s also gained an extension to her circle of friends.
“When you’re playing golf with somebody for four hours, especially women, you really get to know each other quite well during that time. So you play a few rounds with people and the more you get to know them and enjoy playing -it becomes something of a virtuous circle.
“The absence of cliques creates a really stimulating group of people; people from different backgrounds, different cultures, with different talents, different lifestyles ... and yet, our golf is the thing that binds us. Some of my closest friends now are friends I’ve made here. What’s not to like?”
Golf eh? There’s a lot more to it than simply putting a ball in a hole.
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