Olympic sailing gold medallist Sarah Ayton is the inspired choice to head an exciting new campaign at Golf At Goodwood to bring more women and children into golf.

What makes this venture so intriguing is that the accomplished yachtswoman who won Gold in 2004 and 2009 and was awarded the OBE for her achievements is herself a relative newcomer to the sport.

It means that her progress and that of other enthusiasts will be a shared experience thereby bringing an entirely new concept to the learning process by helping each other under the watchful eye and guidance of Goodwood professional and Sussex coach Ryan Fenwick.

Sarah’s success and experience at the highest level in sport will also give newcomers an insight into the mindset of a champion and she says: ”To succeed at any sport you must be single-minded.”

She has been invited to lead the Goodwood Golf Academy “Get Women into Golf “ programme because of her high sporting profile as well as the enthusiasm she brings to the sport.

Sarah’s wide range of activities in her new role will also include visits to schools, giving speeches to business women and youngsters on the benefits of golf as well as providing a series of motivational sessions.

She says:” I want to be able to communicate my love of golf and sport in general to encourage others to discover the enjoyment and satisfaction it offers.”

Goodwood’s Olympic association began earlier this year when strength and conditioning coach Steve Gent joined the growing team at Golf At Goodwood. Steve has worked with multi-Olympic-medal winning athletes including four times Olympic Champion Sir Ben Ainslie and is now directing his highly successful fitness and conditioning regime from the Golf Academy at historic Goodwood.