Hi I’m Elaine. I decided 20 years ago to learn to play golf, it just seemed like a good idea, and an opportunity to enjoy gentle exercise and fresh air! In those days, I lived and worked in Bristol, so one Saturday lunchtime, along with my husband (who hated the game), we decided to visit a local Golf Club, (which will remain nameless) to enquire about golf lessons.

As this was my first ever visit to a golf club, and unsure of what the procedure was, we headed for the bar, and ordered a couple of drinks. The Bar Manager approached me, and said very politely “Madam, you are not allowed in here”!” What do you mean?” I replied, “This is for Gentlemen only” was the response!! (heard this before?) Well, I was so astounded, that I promptly left my gin & tonic and walked from the bar with a rather rude backward comment on the lines of “If I can’t drink in your bar, I certainly do not want to play your stupid game!”

However, 10 years later, my teenage son took a course of lessons from the Professional at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club, and I relented and started to play the game. Like most of us, I became instantly addicted, and played as much as I could. I joined the ladies committee there, and in 2000/2001 had the honor of serving my Club as Lady Captain.

In 2001, my husband and I ‘retired’ to Spain, where I joined Santa Maria Golf Club and met Alison.

Over the years, Alison and I have become very good friends, and play plenty of golf together, although unfortunately my handicap has not reflected this. Here at Santa Maria, I serve on the members’ committee, and am presently the Members Secretary. As with Alison, I am very conscious that we have many groups of men playing our courses, and enjoying the wonderful social activities that we have here, and feel it is time that we encouraged all you lady golfers whatever the size of your party to come out here and find out for yourselves!

 

 

Hi I’m Ali. 10 years ago, I found myself in the familiar position of being a ‘Golf Widow’, faced with changing that or divorce! I embarked on a course of golf lessons with the Professional at Woodbury Park near Exeter. As soon as I was at a standard where I could achieve a 36 handicap, I joined my husband at Exeter Golf & Country club where I still have many friends, and enjoy playing when back home.

In 2000, my family and I left the West Country for a new life in Spain. We had had a holiday home here for 3 years, and decided it was the right time to take our family to the sun and earn a living there. My 2 teenage children have been educated here at the local English International College, where my oldest daughter has just received excellent A level results, they too have benefited from the change of lifestyle, and the ability to be multi lingual.

When I arrived in Spain, my handicap was 22, but due to the fact that we can play golf right throughout the year in lovely conditions, I am pleased now to have reduced it to 12. I am a member of Santa Maria Golf Club, and play as much golf as time allows, I am Secretary of "La Liga Femenino" which is the Spanish ladies league, for whom I play regularly, along with Ladies friendly Interclub matches and general club golf.

Over the past few years, I have worked for several golf tour operators, meeting and greeting their Clients at the airport, and looking after them throughout their stay, but I always ask ‘Where are the Ladies?’ All the men enjoy their golfing breakaways here, but you ladies are missing out. This is why Elaine and I have made it our mission to ensure that things change and Ladies have the same opportunities for short breaks or longer stays and enjoy our fabulous weather and golf.

We look forward to meeting you.