Leading the squad’s committee is Angela Goddard who, working with PGA Advanced Golf Professional and coach, Phil Sykes and personal trainer and nutritionist, Ashley Carter, is developing short, mid and long-term goals for those squad members keen to represent the island and those wishing to better their games and play competitively.
46 women from all the three clubs (Royal Guernsey Golf Club, La Grande Mare Golf Club and St Pierre Park Golf Club) have already signed up. They cover a wide range of ages and ability and the numbers interested has way exceeded the committee’s expectations.
Angela said: “I have always wanted to create a squad that can train, practice and bond together. Thanks to the financial support of La Grande Mare, this has now become a reality. My hope is that those existing squad members will encourage new players to the game so that they can go on to achieve their full potential for future years putting Guernsey women’s golf well and truly on the map.”
Although it is still early days, each player’s basic skills have already been analysed, there has been on-course assessment, skills coaching, a match against the junior island team and two off-island matches have been organized for later on in the season.
The squad has also had an introductory personal training session and a brief discussion on nutrition and match preparation.
Later on in the year it is hoped that a charity golf day will be organized, not only to support local charities but also giving players the opportunity for some more competitive practice.
Pictured: Sacha Cauwels-Wigan.
Resort General Manager of La Grande Mare, Sacha Cauwels-Wigan, said: “This is a very exciting time for women’s golf on the island and we are extremely pleased to be a part of it. La Grande Mare is offering more than just financial support to the squad. We are able to host visiting players, speaking events and practice sessions. We are confident that during our three year commitment we will see a lot of growing talent coming through.”
The Guernsey Women’s Golf Development Squad will also be encouraging the growing number of junior female golfers that are emerging.
Phil Sykes said: “As we move forward this fantastic initiative will help to provide an aim point for our up and coming young players as well as creating a togetherness within the local female golf game across the island, all working together to further improve and increase participation and ability locally.”
For more information about the Guernsey Women’s Golf Development Squad go to guernseywomensgolf.gg