Honiton Golf Club launch campaign to promote women's golf

It follows on from the success of 2023 with the introduction of England Golf’s Women on Par programme.

The evening, on April 17, was a huge success and gave those in attendance the opportunity not only to learn about the health and social benefits that the game brings, but also how golf is becoming a much more accessible sport for women.

In addition, HGC were able to showcase what they are able to offer not only as a course but as a club.

Many of those who were in attendance have already signed up for Golf Access Programme (a 10 week introduction to golf) which commences on Wednesday, May 15 and is open to all.

Cathy Pawley (Lady Captain) said "We are delighted with the turnout of this, our second Women on Par event.

"Everyone I have spoken to this evening has given really positive feedback.

"It has also been lovely to welcome some of our ladies, who joined our academy membership last year, to talk about their experiences as new golfers".

She continued: "During 2024 we will continue to promote golf as a viable sport for women and are looking forward to more events throughout the year which will further enhance our commitment of getting women into golf".

Mike Drew (club chairman) added: "I am extremely encouraged to see that there are so many women who want to find out more about golf, as a club we are committed to supporting these initiatives.

"It has been a wonderful event".

To find out more about the Golf Access Programme or register your interest, please email: manager@honitongolfclub.co.uk

Now to the action with the ladies section.

Despite a bitterly cold strong wind, Honiton Ladies played a friendly Texas Scramble in teams of three on April 17.

Everyone was very pleased to come home without the need to don wet weather clothes for the first time in a long while.

A very creditable score of net 63 was posted by winners, Joanne Hopgood, Susan Kelson and Lorraine Ritchie.

The 9 hole Texas Scramble was won by Jennifer Raison, Monica Scovell and Danusia White scoring net 47.

Now the Men's club matches.

The Men's league and cup programme got underway on April 20 with newly-appointed East Devon league captain Matt Bond leading his team to a fantastic 3-2 win over Fingle Glen.

It was played at Axecliffe on a glorious sunny day with the course in great condition.

The three points were gained by Martin Hancock, Nick Jones, Matt Bond and Nick Feeney, and two half matches by Adam Hull and Dave Carnall and Francis Stephens and David Drury.

On April 21, the Dartmoor league team went away to Elfordleigh in their cup match, and the defending champions returned with an excellent 3-2 victory.

The final match went to the 22nd hole where Sam Phillips and Steve Milton were successful.

The other two points were gained by Dave Carnall and Mark Kingdon and Paul Stewart and Ed Reece.

The Seniors section members enjoyed a second consecutive Friday of good weather for their latest competition, the captain vs vice-captain match.

After 16 contests of pairs match play, the captain's team prevailed by 10 points to six.

The Honiton seniors finally managed to kick off their season of friendly matches with a fixture at Stover.

The team fell to a 5-1 defeat and will now have to wait a full six months to rectify this in the return match in October.