#WhyIGolf: Mary Richardson
As part of Women & Girls’ Golf week, Scottish Golf have been catching up with the hidden heroes of golf in Scotland.
They chatted to Craigmillar Park’s Junior Convenor Mary Richardson about all things volunteering and golf…
So Mary, where about do you volunteer and what’s your role?
I am currently the Junior Convenor at Craigmillar Park in Edinburgh, and I am also a member at Dunbar in East Lothian.
Our girls at Craigmillar Park love their golf. Most of all, girls enjoy the fun and friendships. They like playing with other girls. If they are having fun they will bring their friends. #thisgirlgolfs #WhyIGolf @ScottishGolf pic.twitter.com/fDZpzPpnzw
— Craigmillar Park GC 1895 (@cpgolfclub) August 1, 2018
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
I have been involved as a volunteer with golf for many years with my club, county and with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association (now Scottish Golf). My current role as junior convenor is probably the most frustrating and time consuming one, but by far the most rewarding.
Watching and supporting young people as they learn and develop, make friends, have fun and fall in love with the game, as I have, is such a privilege.
Also, it is fantastic to see so many young girls take up golf and join our club – we currently have 25 girls, just over a 3rd of our junior membership and to watch them walking up the fairways, chatting, laughing and enjoying their golf, always puts a smile on my face.
What is your most memorable volunteering experience?
I would have to say my most memorable volunteering experience was as both manager and minibus driver for the Scottish Ladies Team at the Home Internationals in Wales in 2014, mainly due to the scary experience of driving on some very dodgy roads but also the great bunch of girls involved, the many laughs and the singing in the minibus!
🙋🏻♀️ | @cpgolfclub’s @marybronterich has dedicated years volunteering at club, county and national level and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Mary, thanks for all the great work you do to help grow the game in Scotland.
Q&A ➡️ https://t.co/9lu32le292 pic.twitter.com/rwIm0qpsk8
— Scottish Golf (@ScottishGolf) July 31, 2018
What do you love most about golf? #WhyIGolf
I love golf mostly for the friendships. Through golf I have friends of all ages, all over the country and internationally as well. It’s a game where people of different ages and abilities, men, women, boys and girls, can play together. And for young people, not only does it keep them fit and active, and out in the fresh air, but it also teaches them honesty and integrity and helps develops their social skills.
What’s your first golfing memory?
Playing badly with a hockey swing (nothing has changed) on a hockey team golf outing.
Great to see so many of our younger juniors out enjoying their golf in our adult junior scramble today pic.twitter.com/SspS6012LY
— Craigmillar Park GC 1895 (@cpgolfclub) July 22, 2018
Advice to any women or girls thinking of trying golf for the first time?
Give it a go – you can start at any age. Speak to your club and get some lessons from your local Pro. Group lessons are a fun way to start. You will have such fun and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
Dream playing partner?
Catriona Matthew
Favourite course in Scotland and why?
Dunbar – I like to be beside the seaside! Love the course, love the views, love being a member there. It’s like being on holiday all the time – Sunny Dunny!
