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If you had to put your life on the line with a putt, would you trust it to the likes of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, or Ben Crenshaw? Few would consider a group of ladies from Fife, Scotland with no professional golf expertise as reliable options. Nevertheless, this group, known as the St. Andrews Ladies Putting Club, boasts over 150 years of experience in the game of golf.
Despite being considered an unlikely choice and not having the professional level skills that most tour players do, their club established in 1867, is the oldest ladies golf club in the world. When they decided to take part in what was usually a male-dominated sport, it was quite an unconventional choice for women at the time, going against traditional activities like croquet and archery.
Their entry into the world of golf was not without challenges, as the caddies who used the putting course weren’t too fond of this change. However, a compromise was quickly found, allowing the ladies to use a plot of land beside the famed Swilcan Bridge as a nine-hole putting course.
The club grew significantly over the years, boasting a membership list of 600 by the late 1880s, and today there is a growing waiting list to join its 140-strong membership. They have played a crucial role in the advancement of women’s independence in St. Andrews and continue to support local charities through the income from visitors.
The club’s current president, Sylvia Dunne, has been a member since 2011, helps organize the group’s weekly tournaments. The club’s matches offer a social outlet for the members, a much needed diversion for those who might otherwise remain at home. They particularly treasure the camaraderie and post-match chatter over coffee and biscuits.
As the world’s oldest women’s golf club continues to progress, they remain true to their roots by providing a supportive space for women to enjoy the game of golf.
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