Female golfers in South Tyneside have teed themselves up for a national award after their plan to get more woman playing the game made a major impression.

Boldon Golf Club Women are one of three contenders for the Women & Girls’ Trailblazer award in the 2026 England Golf Awards, being held in Manchester in March.

They have been praised by England Golf for an innovative development programme which is boosting women’s participation at the club, both on and off the fairway.

A year ago, the ladies committee set about making the Dipe Lane venue more inclusive to players and non-players alike by improving coaching support for enthusiasts who want to better their game.

Boldon Golf Club ladies captain Alyson Smith and committee member Katherine Pearson with some of the club's growing number of female members. | Other 3rd Party

placeholder image — Boldon Golf Club ladies captain Alyson Smith and committee member Katherine Pearson with some of the club's growing number of female members. | Other 3rd Party

Steps were also taken to make the clubhouse more welcoming to those who like to socialise and keep healthy as much as swinging a club.

The result has been a 50% jump in female players and new community partnerships being developed – including a targeted programme with Sunderland Football Club’s women’s squad, which has seen the soccer players receive golf coaching.

Women’s committee member Katherine Pearson said: “Women players want to develop their playing skills, but that wasn’t the driving force of this programme.

“It’s really been about creating opportunities for women and girls to play at our club. Whatever your reason for playing, the support is there.

“The benefits are socialising, being with other women and being in an environment where you are supported at whatever level you play.”

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She added: “A lot of the women here don’t play – but they keep coming because they enjoy the health benefits of being active and being with friends.

“We do, of course, provide many opportunities for women to develop their golfing skills and there is a real drive to improve those skills.

“We are also keen to develop partnerships with employers and other sports clubs who also value positive development, good health and social benefits for women.”

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