Driving women’s golf forward: The Army Golf Association's recruitment efforts

The Army Golf Association (AGA), which was formed in 1974 to promote the interests of all golfers, both officers and soldiers, regular and reserve, is pushing hard to increase women’s participation in the sport. Claire Ham, a Military Personnel Administrator, is a key figure in this effort. Here she offers insight into how she got involved in golf, her journey in the Army’s golfing community, and the steps being taken to attract more women to the game.

A personal journey into golf

Claire’s introduction to golf was unexpected. “I hadn’t played golf at all,” she recalls, describing how a conversation with her stepdad, who was looking for a new hobby, sparked the idea. “We were sat in the pub, and we decided to get some golf clubs and head to the driving range. I wasn’t sure I’d even like it at first, but I ended up loving it.”

From those humble beginnings, Claire’s interest grew rapidly. She found out about the Army Golf Association and that they held regional events. After starting with a basic Wilson Ultra package set, she decided to compete in one of her local AGA competitions and quickly realised her talent. “I went to my first competition not even knowing what Stableford was,” she admits. Despite the steep learning curve, Claire won that event and was hooked on the game.

Her move to Lichfield brought more opportunities. “I joined a golf society on camp and eventually got my official handicap in May 2021. From there, I’ve just kept playing and developed a real passion for it.”

Finding golf in the army

Claire’s involvement with the Army golf team itself began somewhat by chance. “A friend told me about a course called ProJam. I went along and absolutely loved it,” she says. “This then prompted me to attend an Army golf development day in Hampshire. There I met some Women’s Committee members who recognised my name from competition sheets and got me properly involved”.  However, she notes that opportunities weren’t always well advertised but explains that processes have now been put in place to address this issue.

Since then, Claire has become an integral part of the Army Golf Association, taking on the role of Women’s Assistant Manager.

Opportunities for women in the Army Golf Association

The AGA offers multiple levels of participation, making golf accessible to women of varying skill levels. “You don’t even need a handicap to play at the development level,” Claire explains. Players can then progress from Unit level to Corps level golf, the Army team, and even the UK Armed Forces team, which features the best players from the Army, Navy, and RAF.

The Army Women’s section is growing, with about 40 players in the main squad and an additional 20–30 in the development group. Matches and events are spread across the year, ranging from regional competitions to larger tournaments like the Army Championships at Saunton Golf Club, matches against the Police, and annual events at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club.

Claire emphasises that the team isn’t limited to scratch players. "Unlike the men’s team, where players often have plus handicaps, we’re focused on developing talent and bringing more women into the game.”

Recruitment challenges and efforts

Recruiting women into Army golf has its challenges. “There’s a perception that you have to be at an elite level to join the team, but that’s not true,” Claire says. To combat this, the Development Team has introduced initiatives like taster days and camps where newcomers can try golf without pressure. “We can even provide clubs for those who don’t have their own,” she adds.

Efforts are also being made to raise awareness through posters, QR codes, and word of mouth. “The biggest challenge is reaching people who might not think golf is for them,” Claire explains. “I used to think golf was just a ‘good walk spoiled,’ but now I see how enjoyable and social it can be.”

One of the highlights of Army golf is the sense of camaraderie it fosters. Claire describes events like the annual Burnham & Berrow match, where the Army Women’s Team plays against the club’s women’s section. “It’s less about winning and more about having garnering relationships. We play, share a meal, and enjoy some light-hearted games in the evening. It’s a tradition everyone looks forward to.”

The road ahead

Claire is optimistic about the future of women’s golf in the Army. “The numbers have grown since I started, and we’re seeing more women get involved,” she says. With ongoing recruitment efforts and a supportive community, the AGA is well-positioned to continue driving women’s participation in the sport.

For Claire, golf has become much more than a hobby – it’s a passion and a way to connect with others. “The Army’s golf community is like a family. Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, there’s a place for everyone.”

To find out more about the Army Golf Association visit https://armygolf.co.uk