Playing at Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, is on many a golfer’s bucket list, but a group of 19 female newcomers to the sport have already chalked it off thanks to a love.golf taster event.
love.golf, an empowering group coaching experience for women which takes place out on the golf course, and Gleneagles, the #1 golf resort in the UK and Ireland*, teamed up to offer the fun-filled experience, which sold out within 12 hours of being advertised.
It was led by Gleneagles’ PGA National Academy Manager, Matthew Reid, and PGA Professional, Gilbert Hepburn, and there was even a surprise visit from Catriona Matthew, returning to the 850-acre Perthshire estate, scene of the famous European Solheim Cup victory she orchestrated as captain in 2019.
Andrew Jowett, Gleneagles’ PGA Head of Golf, said: “love.golf is a fantastic concept which is perfectly aligned with one of Gleneagles’ wider objectives to give more women, families and children an enjoyable and accessible route into the game.
“Every woman who took part has signed up to a follow-on programme, which is the best feedback we could have wished for.”
Alastair Spink, Head Coach and Founder of love.golf, added: “The experience was an instant hit with the women and it’s fantastic that every person enjoyed it enough to come back for more.
“Our taster events introduce women to the game in a safe, outdoor, distanced environment with supportive, like-minded people, which puts participants at ease. And what better place to try the game than the incredible location of Gleneagles.”
Participant, Aileen Grant, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and it has given me the confidence to take my very limited golf journey a bit further. Catriona Matthew being there was a lovely touch and a nice surprise for the ladies.”
Gleneagles plans to host more love.golf taster events in the near future, ahead of ongoing programmes to welcome more women to the iconic venue and provide a progressive gateway into the game.
Upcoming love.golf taster events at Gleneagles:
- Saturday 24th July, 15:00 - 16:30
- Saturday 31st July, 15:00 - 16:30
- Saturday 7th August, 15:00 - 16:30
- Saturday 14th August, 15:00 - 16:30
- Saturday 21st August, 15:00 - 16:30
- Saturday 28th August, 15:00 - 16:30
For more information and to book a place, email PGA Professional Gilbert Hepburn (gilbert.hepburn@gleneagles.com)
Globally, women make up just 24% of golfers. But market research** by Syngenta, which supports love.golf and Growing Golf, a campaign designed to increase female participation, indicates there is strong interest in golf, with nearly a third (29%) of non-golfing women saying they are interested in taking up the sport, attracted by the opportunity to be outdoors, relax and spend time with family friends.
*Golf World Top 100 Golf Resorts in UK & Ireland 2021
**The Global Economic Opportunity of Increased Female Participation in Golf, Syngenta, 2015
ENDS
PICTURE CAPTIONS
1: Catriona Matthew leads the newcomers out onto the golf course
2: Participants enjoying their love.golf experience with the iconic Gleneagles hotel in the background
For access to a suite of high resolution images from the event, click here.
Media contact
Michael Roberts, LANDMARK, michael@landmark-media.com
Tel: +44 (0) 7724 772248
About love.golf
love.golf is an empowering group coaching experience for women which takes place out on the golf course, in a rewarding environment that gives them the freedom to explore a new skill, discover their potential and bond with a supportive group of like-minded women.
love.golf is delivered by a passionate community of over 50 coaches in the UK, Canada, Spain, Netherlands and United Arab Emirates.
About Gleneagles
Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates.
Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of Perthshire, it has been the must-go destination for travellers for nearly a century. Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived in great style at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the 850-acre estate epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed.
With its glorious playground of country pursuits and activities, the hotel is reclaiming its position on the social calendar.
Now under new owner Ennismore, Gleneagles has enlisted the skills and expertise of some of the UK’s most acclaimed designers including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, and Ennismore’s own in-house design studio – with the aim to create designs and spaces that celebrate the rich, glamorous heritage and beautiful architecture for which the hotel is famed.