The Kent club hopes the new membership, which enables women to join the club for a reduced fee of £950 per year, will encourage more women into the game on a long-term basis.
“Canterbury has always boasted a strong female membership, but we are aware that many women, especially working women and those with family commitments, are finding it increasingly harder to justify taking up or returning to golf,” says Club Chairman Steve Eeles.
“We believe that our new Women’s Colt Membership makes it a lot easier for women to enjoy the benefits of Club membership at a reduced cost and at times that are more convenient for them. Similar programmes have been launched at some other clubs in the past, but they have in general been restricted to a maximum of say six months. We don’t believe that is nearly long enough for someone to get to grips with golf and to find out if the Club is the right one for them, hence the two-year term of the membership.”
Inclusivity at the core
Canterbury, home to a classic Harry Colt course, has a long tradition of being an inclusive club; it was the first in Kent to have a woman both as Club Captain and Chairman of the Club – two of the most important roles within the organisation.
Former Ladies European Tour winner, Maxine Burton, is a professional at the Club, and she’s fully supportive of the new membership.
“We have for a while participated in England Golf’s Women in Golf programme, but we feel that this membership takes that to the next level. I look forward to welcoming more women into our Club, helping them with their game and introducing them to fellow members.”
The membership
Here are the key features of the Women’s Colt membership*, which costs £950 per year:
- Limited to 20 participants and a two-year term
- Six monthly group lessons
- Members discounts for the driving range, bar and restaurant
- Ability to obtain a handicap and play in select competitions in year one
- In the second year, allowed to participate in all Ladies Club competitions
- Appointed a “golf buddy” in the second year of membership
- Access to the course Tuesday – Thursday, and after midday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (excluding competitions)
To enquire about membership or to find out more about Canterbury Golf Club, visit CanterburyGolfClub.co.uk.
*Terms and conditions apply