The captain of the West Wilts Golf Club Ladies’ Section has celebrated the group’s success as it reaches 50 members. And she is urging local women to take up the sport.
Dympna Bell took up golf after she retired as a project manager for the NHS. Her husband, Ian, was a golfer and the couple made a pact that Dympna would learn golf if he learned how to ski.
The Ladies’ Section at the West Wilts Golf Club started in 1977 and there are currently 50 members from Warminster and the surrounding towns and villages. Teachers, nurses, farmers and gardeners are among the former professions of women in the group.
Dympna said, “I only wish I had started golf earlier.
“It is a sport which often ladies don’t think about taking up unless they happen to get prompted by perhaps a partner or a friend, which is why we think it is very important to reach out to ladies and offer support to new starters.
“It’s a sport which offers health and mental benefits with lots of walking and fresh air in beautiful surroundings. We have several ladies who still play regularly into their eighties. Also because of the handicap system it means that if you are relatively new to golf you can play competitively against an experienced golfer and still play on an equal footing.”
As Ladies’ Section captain, Dympna helps raise money for Julia’s House through various fundraising events while her male counterpart, Colin Bell, does the same for Warminster Hospital.
She added, “I’ve made a whole new circle of friends through golf and those friendships now extend beyond the golf course. Life events happen and there is always support available through this network of friends.
“We’ve always got something to talk about and with the average round of golf lasting 3.5 hours followed by a cup of coffee in the clubhouse you get to know people quite well.
“Some of my favourite memories are the special fun competitions we organise and the social events like the annual Christmas meal. Overseas trips golfing in places like Portugal and Morocco are really special.”
Members are free to play whenever you want however the ladies generally get together on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Ladies’ Section at the West Wilts Golf Club can make arrangements to give new members a tour of the club and the course.
Ladies who are completely new to golf are offered group starter courses by club pro Jonathan Lawrence. Following the starter courses ladies can be helped to learn more about joining the club by a lady golfing ‘buddy’.
Any women interested in joining the Ladies’ Section can call 01985 213133 to find out more.
Pictured: Dympha wants to offer support to new starters
