Mount Macedon Golf Club has been awarded Golf Australia’s March award for ‘Visionary of the Year’ in acknowledgment of the amazing work the club has been doing to promote gender equality.
Mount Macedon’s progressive thinking, desire to grow its female membership and new ‘Get into Golf’ program has been a catalyst for the award.
The club has made enormous inroads with the program, and created a welcoming and inclusive space where women can enjoy golf at their own pace, evidenced by a 600 per cent increase in female engagement at the club in the past year alone.
Club secretary Marcus Ward said it was exciting to win the award and the club had had fantastic support from its members.
“These programs aren’t viable without volunteer support and this program has been running since the middle of last year and our members have been on board with it the entire time,” Ward said.
“We’ve had over 80 ladies participate and that secured us 25 new members to the golf club.
“We’re not resting on our laurels as we commence a hit and giggle Sunday modified competition.
“Coordinator Bruce Fraser has been the catalyst for the program’s success along with our Golf Australia representative Shana Faralla.”
Ward thanked Bendigo Community Bank Gisborne for securing four sets of golf clubs for free use by the ladies.
Golf Australia’s Serrin Bertino said Visionary of the Year celebrated the terrific work being done across Australia’s clubs and facilities to promote gender equality and aimed to inspire and empower others to follow on.
“What Mt Macedon Golf Club has achieved by encouraging and supporting more women and girls to join their club, especially with such a small-volunteer base, has been outstanding,” Bertino said.
“To have seen such a significant increase in their female engagement, via their programs and initiatives that welcome and support women/girls to play golf in a way that suits their lifestyle, has been brilliant.
“It’s another fantastic example of how to embrace all golf participants so everyone can enjoy our great game.”
