Girl power comes to Hammers golfers

The concept of Ladies Love Golf is the brainchild of professional coaches John Cheetham and Tom Gibbs, who are campaigning to get more women into the sport.

After sessions at Bloxwich and Stafford Castle, the recent event at the picturesque Astbury course near Bridgnorth gave 30 or so members of the Hammers ladies academy a chance to enjoy a day's play on the pristine course.

They learned from pro coaches and socialise with like-minded individuals, as well as the appearance of a special guest.

Sarah Stirk, the face of golf on Sky Sports, and writer and presenter of several golfing publications and media outlets, was the star name.

She was on-hand to to provide advice, share memories and share her passion of the female game.

Cheetham said: "It was a relaxed, friendly and social environment for all involved. It worked out great to have the 30 women here.

"The number worked really well with what we were trying to do on the day. We are lucky to have a relationship with The Astbury and we're looking for a lot more with them in the future.

"It was a great success and it has really got the concept and the name out there. Sarah was brilliant and has helped it grow – she was really keen to get involved."

Stirk held a Q&A session with the players, who were keen to take in her expertise and advice, it was also a good ice-breaker at the start of the day, according to club officials.

She said: "It was great to see so many ladies on the course enjoying themselves in such a relaxed environment.

"It's important for ladies to have access to venues to enjoy playing golf under relaxed conditions and also to receive top quality coaching is a bonus."

Players were then treated to several short-game tuition drills, including different types of putting and chipping. An eager Stirk was keen to join in and learn from Cheetham and Gibbs' expert sessions.

The coach added: We just want ladies to be able to play the game, improve and socialise. It's an opportunity for the girls to play on a bigger course.

"Golf can be intimidating for newcomers and this is helping to break down barriers. There are 75 members now and we only started in March. It is some going

."We've had great success this year and we want to take it nationwide."

To see how Cheetham's concept is coming along by following @ladieslovegolf1 on Twitter or search for #LadiesLoveGolf