Pennard has a thriving ladies section

The Ladies’ Section has a long and prestigious history. Formally founded in 1920, prior to that date, ladies had only been allowed to be associate members and numbers were very strictly controlled. After this date ladies became full members and, almost uniquely among Welsh golf clubs, ladies were allowed to vote at AGMs.

The Ladies’ Section has had a very good record in the last thirty years with several of our ladies winning honours in prestigious competitions. We have had Curtis Cup players in Vicki Thomas and Tegwen Thomas, Sarah Jones and Trish Johnson. Vicki Thomas being a record six times Curtis Cup player and a winner in national and international events on many occasions. Pennard Ladies were winners of the Welsh Team Championships in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2000 and 2003. Mrs Josie Roberts and Mrs Frances Sheehan won the Daily Mail Foursomes when in 1992 they became the first Welsh pair to win the event. In 2009, some of our ladies were part of the Pennard team which won the Ping Welsh Mixed Foursomes Championship.

The Ladies’ Section currently comprises around 80 friendly and enthusiastic members, across a range of handicap levels, many of whom participate in ladies competitions. We provide a good mix of social and competitive golf to meet the requirements of ladies of all abilities.

The Ladies’ main competition day is a Tuesday when we have reserved tee times which can be booked via the on line booking system or through the pro shop. There is a full annual programme of active qualifying competitions including those where we compete for a wide range of cups, trophies and shields. There is a good mix of social and fun competitions too. Provision is also made for ladies to maintain their handicap through regular 9-hole qualifying competitions.

Working ladies are an integral part of our Ladies’ Section and we try to accommodate their golfing needs wherever possible. A small field play their competitions on a weekend with reserved tee times and their scores are amalgamated with the Tuesday scores to determine the overall winners.

Many ladies also play in the Friday morning ‘diddly’ which is a turn up and play 9-hole competition.

Several individual and pairs knockout competitions are organised both in the summer and winter and provide further playing opportunities.

Over the last few years, we have worked hard to introduce new ladies to golf. We have several fun coaching programmes, which provide a great introduction to the game. Once ladies have progressed through these, they have the opportunity to join our academy where they are given the support of our buddy system which allows them to integrate into the ladies’ section and to move towards full membership.

Our Ladies’ Open Competition is held each year towards the end of April and we also hold a 15-hole coffee morning at the beginning of March, which is open to both members and visitors.

We have three teams representing the club in the County leagues. Places in these teams are allocated strictly by handicap.

Each year we enter a team in the Welsh Team Championships and again places in this team are allocated by handicap.

We have strong links with other local clubs (Langland, Fairwood, Clyne, Neath & Pontardawe) with whom we arrange friendly matches alternating home and away fixtures over a two-year programme. Friendly matches are also played against Swansea Bay & Machynys with a home and away fixture each year. All ladies are invited to participate in these matches.

We also arrange a variety of social events throughout the year plus trips away to other golf courses.

Lady Captain
Mrs Paula Brady