With the new season in full swing, the Army Golf Association (AGA) is on a mission to attract more female players to the sport.
Boasting competitions at all levels and training events throughout the year, the opportunities are plentiful. And with new women’s team captain SSgt Kim Glynn (AGC (SPS)) committed to a mantra of personnel enjoying their time on the course – regardless of results – the environment is a welcoming one.
While stereotypes and preconceptions of the game may have hindered newcomers in the past, Glynn told SoldierSport that all are welcome, no matter what their experience, as she started her two-year tenure in the role.
“There is a perception this is an old person’s sport and something you play when you can’t do anything else,” she explained.
“But it is the only discipline I know where an 18-year-old can go out and compete with a 72-year-old.
“To represent the Army people think they must be really good players, but because we are a small team we are happy to work with anyone – you do not have to be of Inter-Services standard.
“There are at least two matches each year for novices. We will pair them up with a seasoned Army player who will go round and share their experience, while passing on some hints and tips.
“We also run regional events where we take clubs and equipment for people to come and have a go and get guidance on all aspects of the game.
“My main goal is to create a family atmosphere. Yes, I want to win, and the Inter-Services is the pinnacle, but I want to win in a way where people have fun as they work together.”
Reservist AirTpr Laura McLean (AAC) is one of those who recently joined the AGA’s development pathway.
The 43-year-old took up the sport at the insistence of best friend and former captain WO2 Zoe Burrell-Knipe (RLC) and immediately felt at home.
“It is brilliant,” she said. “There is so much variety in the competitions and friendly matches, both for the first team and development team.
“Everything is listed on the AGA website and you put yourself forward for the events that work for you.
“I would love to represent the Army at the Inter-Services, but I’d say that is an outside goal for this year. The main aim is to play as many fixtures as I can and try and get my handicap down to single figures.
“It is a fantastic group of women, and the social side is great. They want to play well, but team spirit and going out and having fun is the real driver.
“Hitting that really good shot is so rewarding. Knowing you’ve got that in the locker and the more you practise, the better you will become is a superb feeling.”
Cpl Lizzy Chapman (RAMS) joined the Army women’s team in 2024. She shares her experiences…
Cpl Lizzy Chapman (RAMS)
How did you get involved in the sport?
My partner plays and I picked up my first club towards the end of Covid. I saw people playing netball, football and rugby but I wanted something that was more social. I was posted to Blandford, which has a great golf society, so I reached out to them and they pointed me in the right direction. I had a couple of lessons and then joined the ladies team.
Describe your golfing journey so far
I have progressed quite quickly. I started with a 38 handicap and am now down to 24.5 – the more you play the better you get. A lot of people can be put off when they first start but as you get out with different players you pick up tips to help with your technique. I played in last season’s Inter-Services and a few other matches and achieved a couple of wins along the way.
How have you found the Army women’s set-up?
It's brilliant. In a way it is quite nice that there aren’t many of us as it means there are a lot more opportunities in terms of events and the social side. The girls have been very welcoming, and we have people who have never picked up a club before through to scratch golfers. Everyone on the committee is so dedicated in making sure players get the time off work to play.
What do you enjoy about golf?
I’m a very competitive person and as friendly as golf can be, it is one of those sports where you’re always competing – even if it is with yourself and trying to beat what you achieved last time out. It is also enjoyable being outside in a friendly environment. In team sports you don’t get the chance to chat with other players while you play, but this is more leisurely.
Golf is often seen as elitist. Have you experienced any barriers?
There is some of that around, but it depends on which clubs you play at. A lot are more relaxed about people coming in to play and it is nice they are now welcoming towards female members. Being part of the team has opened my eyes and we’ve been to courses I would never normally play. I'd now feel confident about going back to those venues on my own.
What are your goals for the 2025 season?
I want to get my handicap below 20 and play in as many events as I can.
