Uncovering the Story of Women’s Golf – Breaking with Tradition Airs Tonight on Sky

Breaking with Tradition is a one-part documentary from film maker Sandra ML Mesrine and industry expert Nicole Wheatley that examines the hidden histories and untold stories of women in golf.  The documentary, which premiers on Sky Sports Golf on Monday 12^th December at 7pm GMT, promises to introduce the reality of a world you thought you already knew from the perspective of Tour professionals, industry experts and amateur golfers.

“Over the course of 3 years, more than 60 men and women shared their insight and personal experiences of golf,” explains Nicole Wheatley.

“It’s been a fascinating project as we have uncovered stories that have never been told such as the very first steps taken towards what we now know as the LET as told by the women who were there.  We examine the impact that golf’s heritage continues to have on the sport and look at how the industry, governing bodies, golf clubs and golfers themselves are shaping the future of golf. 

"There are stories that will make you laugh, but there are also important messages that we will inspire and motivate people to continue to champion the women’s game.”

Watch the Breaking with Tradition Trailer

The documentary, which has been supported by The Professional Golfers’ Association, The British Golf Industry Association and the Cave Golf Resort, includes interviews with Dame Laura Davies, Keith Pelley, Georgia Hall, Meg MacLaren, Aaron Rai and Inci Mehmet.

There are many firsts in the film including an untold, spine-tingling story of the day 12 brave women gave up their amateur status to fulfil their lifelong ambitions to play golf for a living, forming what was to become The Ladies European Tour. 

Also featured is the magnificent Belle Robertson. Belle, who is now in her 80’s is one of Scotland’s most successful female sports people of all time. She tells her story for the first time on camera, providing an incredible insight into the ways golf has changed and the challenges women have faced to find a space in the game.

Tour players across three generations give incredibly honest, insight into the harsh realities of the modern professional game.  Dame Laura Davies explains how the female game has been unexpectedly and irretrievably damaged by the phenomenal success of one golfer – Tiger Woods.  IMG’s Vicky Cuming, and Tour stars Meghan McLaren and Inci Mehmet describe how discrepancies in prize money, sponsorship and media exposure are all linked and can determine the fate of so many outstanding players.

Updated: Watch the full Breaking with Tradition Documentary

The archival element of the film is made up of a mix of personal and press photographs, museum paintings, home-made videos provided from the interviewee's personal archives, professional videos archives and print documents.

“When we set out to make this documentary we wanted to break down barriers and show people what golf is really like.  Having met so many incredible people who share the same passion, to get more women working and playing golf, has been so refreshing.  Their stories deserve to be told and I have no doubt that they will surprise, shock and inspire,” concluded Sandra.

Women & Golf's Editor Emma got to see a preview screening last week at the Women in Golf Awards - it's definitely worth watching by any golfer interested in hearing more about the development of women's golf in the UK and Europe.

Find out more about Breaking With Tradition by visiting the documentary website here.