The She Loves Golf programme has been a hit and attracted women to the course, surrounded by like-minded players with an emphasis on enjoyment and some degree of competition.
Otago Golf Club director of golf Shelley Duncan said upwards of 60 women play on a Tuesday night and have plenty of fun.
About a third of them play nine holes while the rest play just six holes.
Duncan said it was a good way to get the women introduced to the game and was modelled on the programmes for junior players.
"I spent 20 years getting women to come along and get on the range and work with them for five weeks and then never see them again," she said.
The new programme was leading to new memberships and a good social time was had by all.
She said the women were generally those aged under 35 looking at playing another sport or finding another interest. There were also women aged 55-65, near retirement, looking to golf as a pursuit for when they retire.
Equipment is provided if needed.
Duncan said one of the biggest obstacles for women joining a golf club was the clubrooms.
It was threatening to many people, particularly women, but this programme helped with this as they became used to the surroundings.
A similar programme is run on Sundays at St Clair Golf Club and it has also led to an increase in female membership.”
— Additional reporting by Neville Idour
