A few weeks ago, Charlotte had the pleasure of speaking with Audrey More – an avid golfer and shining example of the power of the game.
At nearly 90 years old, Audrey has become a source of inspiration for golfers of all ages. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of golf to foster friendships, break down barriers, and provide joy and purpose at every stage of life.
In our chat, Audrey told me about her journey into golf and the growth in opportunities for women since she started. She also shared her advice for young women getting into golf in an era of growing opportunities and visibility.
Audrey’s story encapsulates the spirit of golf – a sport that transcends generations, creating moments of connection and joy. Her passion and perseverance are an important reminder to all of us about why we play and why it’s so important to keep working to make golf accessible to everyone in the future.
Women in golf: Then and now
Audrey’s golfing journey began later in life, in her 40s, when her sons inspired her to pick up the game. However, as she reflected, opportunities for women were far from equal.
“Although I grew up in St Andrews and my father played golf, girls weren't really encouraged to play.
“Then when I joined a club later on, women were only allocated a 30-minute slot on a Saturday,” Audrey shared. “The rest was reserved for men. Women were only associate members, paying reduced fees and with limited access. Women couldn’t hold leadership roles in the club, either.”
Today, Audrey celebrates the strides golf has made toward inclusivity, with women serving as captains and presidents of clubs and juniors being actively encouraged. Yet she acknowledges that lingering challenges, like long distances between greens and women’s tees, highlight the ongoing need for thoughtful course design and inclusivity.
A changing landscape for women in golf
From exclusion to empowerment, Audrey has witnessed a profound transformation in women’s golf.
“There’s now a real push to get girls into the game. When I was young, boys were provided for, but they didn't think about girls at all,” she said.
“Programmes and initiatives like ‘Girls Golf Rocks’ have made a huge difference, offering young girls opportunities that simply didn’t exist when I was younger.
“The sport has changed considerably.”
The spark that started it all
Despite growing up in St. Andrews – the Home of Golf – Audrey’s initial interests lay in hockey and tennis. It wasn’t until her sons started playing golf that she decided to join in, trading the tennis court for the fairway.
“My boys wanted to play golf, so I would take them to the municipal course. I went to help with the youngest one, who was maybe eight or nine. And I thought ‘I could give this a go’, because I wasn't really running about a tennis court as well as I used to.
“The boys taught me how to golf. But they kept saying, ‘Mother, will you please extend your backswing and look like a golfer, not a hockey player!’”
Memorable moments
Audrey’s golfing career is filled with memorable highlights, but one stands out: Her lowest round, a remarkable gross 72 in 1987. She played off a handicap of nine at the time, and she still has the scorecard signed by the Lady Captain. The score earned her a cherished cut to a seven handicap, an achievement it’s clear that she still holds dear.
More recently, she impressed her family by nearly shooting her age. During a family outing in St. Andrews, she shot a gross 75 at 73 years old – I did a quick Google search to see how many golfers shoot their age, and, apparently, it’s less than 1%!
Golf as a lifelong passion
For Audrey, golf has always been about more than scores. It’s the friendships, the exercise, and the camaraderie that keep her coming back to the course several times a week.
“Golf is special because you can play with anyone, at any age or ability,” she said. “I’ve played with my sons and even grandchildren. It’s a wonderful way to stay active and connected.”
But that’s not to say that Audrey isn’t competitive. When I asked her what she thought about shorter courses for golfers with slower swing speeds, she promptly put me in my place: “No, I wouldn't like that at all. I still can out-drive some of the ladies with a handicap lower than mine. So I'm quite happy where I am.”
Advice for young women in golf
Audrey’s advice for young women starting out in golf is simple yet profound: “Stick with it. Golf takes time, but it’s worth it – it’s a wonderful game.
“Enjoy the company, the walk, and the challenge. Don’t be discouraged if it feels hard at first – it’s all part of the journey.”
If you liked this article, make sure to catch up on the rest of the Levelling the Fairways series, like this one: Dolores Brown on inspiring change through golf. And watch out for our next interview coming soon!
