Editor Emma Ballard speaks to Caroline Hume-Kendall who is coming to the end of her two-year term as the first female Club Captain at St Enodoc Golf Club
In April 2023, Caroline Hume-Kendall made history as the first woman to become Club Captain of St Enodoc Golf Club in Cornwall since its founding in 1890. Not only that, Caroline was the first female golf club captain in the County. A member of St Enodoc for the majority of her life, her connection to the club runs deep.
Many may feel a female Club Captain was long overdue, but it demonstrated that a historic club like St Enodoc had truly turned a corner in advancing equality within its membership – something still all too rare in many golf clubs today. Here Caroline shares her experiences.
A lifelong connection to St Enodoc
Caroline’s relationship with St Enodoc began in her childhood in the late 1970s. “I played once or twice a year to keep my parents happy,” she recalls. Her early experiences were limited to the Holywell Course, armed with a seven iron, but golf didn’t immediately captivate her. Other sports took priority, and she let her membership lapse as a young adult.
Her love for golf reignited in the mid-1990s after a casual game post-honeymoon. “I thought, ‘Oh, actually, I really like this sport.’” She rejoined St Enodoc, and her connection to the club deepened after she moved permanently to Cornwall in 2015. “It became my way to settle in to the community. St Enodoc has always been very close to my heart, the course has a soul to it, there is just something about it for me which is very magical.”
A journey to leadership
Caroline’s path to club leadership started in 2017 when she joined the Ladies Committee. Encouraged by fellow members, she embraced roles of increasing responsibility, eventually becoming Lady Captain in November 2021. Her enthusiasm for the club and competitive golf (a handicap that got as low as 2.8) - she represents Cornwall at county level – helped her build strong relationships across the club.
It was Neil Bradley, her predecessor as Club Captain, who first broached the idea of her stepping into the role. “He just said, ‘Caroline, would you consider being Club Captain?’” she recounts. The question left her momentarily speechless.
“I was absolutely blown away by it, it was the most amazing surreal question! I wanted to say yes immediately, but I made him wait for a couple of weeks, I needed to think it over. St Enodoc is a traditional club and having a female Club Captain would be an adjustment for everyone.”
Leading through tradition and change at St Enodoc
As St Enodoc’s first female Club Captain, Caroline navigated a delicate balance between honouring the club’s traditions and introducing a fresh perspective. She chose a two-year term to ensure her impact wasn’t fleeting. “I didn’t want to be a blip on the landscape. I wanted to be a mark, someone they’d remember.”
Despite a small amount of initial resistance from traditionalists, Caroline worked hard to win over any sceptics, the Membership embraced her appointment. “I've been true to myself, I don't see gender as a barrier to anything. In my world everyone should be treated with equal respect and if you do a job well gender is irrelevant. As long as you can do the job properly and you earn respect, then you shouldn't have anything to fear.”
One of her key aims was uniting the club’s diverse membership, including resident, holiday and country golfers, men, women, and juniors. "I think the clubhouse feels busier now, and there’s a lot more interaction between our cross section of members. In the past, you’d often see men and women sitting in separate groups, but now there seems to be more integration. I’ve worked hard to introduce people and create connections, and I’m happy to see it making a difference."

A legacy for women in golf
Caroline is particularly proud of the vibrant Ladies’ section at St Enodoc, which boasts over 400 Lady Members, approximately 140 of which are Cornish residents who have a reputation as one of the strongest sections in Cornwall. “We’ve won the county’s top scratch competition, the Gammon Trophy, twice in recent years. It’s a testament to the community and camaraderie we’ve built.”
Her hope is that her tenure will pave the way for future female Club Captains. “I wanted to show that a woman can do the job just as well as a man. Hopefully, I’ve made it an acceptable option for the future.”
Volunteering at golf clubs offers women a unique opportunity to engage with their club in a more meaningful way, gaining insights and making a positive impact. Reflecting on her own experiences, Caroline adds, "I remember back in 2017 when I was asked to be on the Ladies’ Committee. At first, I thought, crikey, that's going out of my comfort zone.' But it wasn’t daunting at all. It was the first step in a fantastic journey.” Her advice to others is simple: “Make the step. Just say yes and challenge yourself, because if you don’t, you’ll never know what you’re missing out on. You’ll never better yourself if you don’t give yourself targets or try new things.”
Volunteering not only enriches the club but also provides personal rewards. “One of the most interesting things is you actually get to understand how the club works,” she explains. “There’s so much you don’t see as a member until you’re behind the scenes, in the cogs and wheels of the club’s operations. It’s fascinating.”
Whether contributing a little or a lot, every effort counts. “Just go ahead and do it. Give a little back, even in a small capacity,” she encourages. “Embrace the challenge, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – most fears are far less intimidating once faced”.
Looking ahead
As her term comes to an end in April 2025, Caroline reflected on her groundbreaking appointment at St Enodoc. “It’s been an incredible honour. I love this club, and I hope I’ve made a positive difference. It’s been brilliant seeing the fun had on the courses and the clubhouse filled with laughter. The most rewarding part has to have been getting to know so many of our Members and having their support, they have really made it a special couple of years for me.”
What’s next? “I want to get my handicap to scratch. Since I took on the role, my handicap has gone from three to six, almost seven now. I was prepared for that but now I'd like to concentrate on my golf!”
Caroline Hume-Kendall’s experience reflects what can be achieved when you take on a challenge and fully embrace it. There is no doubt that her determination to succeed has built a stronger community at St Enodoc which will shape the future of golf at the club, whilst also paving the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.
Caroline is more than happy to share her experiences with other clubs who are considering appointing a female Club Captain. She can be contacted via the St Enodoc office here.
About St Enodoc Golf Club
St Enodoc Golf Club, established in 1890, is home to the James Braid-designed Church Course which is regularly recognised as one of the top championship links courses in England whilst the Holywell Course, a shorter and less challenging layout compared to the main course, is ideal for juniors, beginners and higher-handicap golfers. Visitors are warmly welcomed throughout the year at this North Cornwall club.
For more information, please visit their website here.