Lady Golfer: Women in golf
What does your role involve?
I’m the managing director at Beeston Fields and I’ve been doing that job for about six years now. I head the board of directors and am involved with the policy decisions and guiding the general manager. I think people forget that golf clubs are businesses. I know a lot of members don’t want to hear that word but actually the reality is that’s what we need to remember – that we’re running a business.
Do you have much interaction with members and how do you find that works with your job?
It’s nice to talk to people and find out what they think. It can be a challenge at times. Speaking as a female managing director, when we were going through the Equality Act, it was quite tricky and I was chairing a committee that was changing the way we do things. There are some male members who wonder whether a woman can do the job.
It was very tough to start with because I got the sense that I had to be twice as good as anybody else. How do you find being a woman who works in the golf industry?
It was very tough to start with because I got the sense that I had to be twice as good as anybody else. I think I’ve earned respect now, but it has been a challenge. I did have a phone call from an old guy a few years ago now who rang up and said “I think you’ve just got to accept my dear that it’s all too much for you.”
I couldn’t believe it!
What are the most enjoyable and the most challenging parts of your job?
I think the people are the most enjoyable part. I love interacting with the members and I really enjoy being part of the team of staff that we have here. The challenge at the moment is getting more golfers to come to the club and get more women into golf. The hard thing is making golf attractive to younger women, which is something I’m keen to do.
