Just 12 months ago, Dunsborough Lakes Golf Club had only two participants in its girls-only junior golf class.
Yet through the efforts of PGA Professional Paris Murdock, and the support of the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship Program, the club now boasts 18 junior girls who are thoroughly engaged in the process.
“Paris has developed an amazing connection with the girls, creating an environment where they feel comfortable learning, making mistakes, having fun and encouraging one another,” said Dunsborough Lakes PGA Professional and Golf Operations Manager, Jeremy Crabb.
“While developing golf skills remains an important part of each session, the biggest priority has been making golf something the girls genuinely look forward to each week.”
To achieve that, Dunsborough Lakes have tailored the golf experience specifically for girls and introduced simple initiatives other clubs could easily replicate.
Introducing… Eric the Cow
Perhaps the most recognisable member of the girls’ program doesn’t swing a golf club at all.
Eric the Cow is a much-loved bovine headcover that has become the mascot of the Thursday girls-only clinics. Throughout the year, each girl gets the opportunity to take Eric home for a week before bringing him back and passing him on to another member of the group.
Eric the Cow is a coveted and much-loved aspect of Dunsborough Lakes girls’ golf scholarship program
It may be a small tradition, but Eric has become an important part of the fun and personality of the program.
The girls are always excited to find out who will take him home next, and it has helped create another shared experience that brings the group together.
Incentivising meaningful practise
Another important part of the program has been encouraging the girls to spend time at the golf club outside their regular lessons.
To help with that, Murdock introduced the Junior Practice Passbook, which rewards juniors every time they come to the club and practise independently.
The simple concept has created plenty of excitement, with girls now coming down before and after school to work on their putting, chipping and full swing, while proudly collecting stamps and stickers in their passbooks.
More importantly, practise has become something they want to do rather than something they feel obligated to do. They will often practise alongside friends, compare their passbooks and encourage each other to keep improving.
Practice Passbooks are incentivising the girls to put in the hours on the range and putting green
Going beyond the golf course
The growth of girls’ golf at Dunsborough Lakes represents much more than increased participation: it shows that the girls are developing a genuine sense of belonging.
“Going from two girls to 18 in just 12 months is something the club is incredibly proud of, but even more exciting is seeing the friendships, confidence and love of golf developing within the group,” added Jeremy Crabb.
“Girls who began the year learning basic skills on the practice facilities are now taking those skills onto the course, learning how to navigate golf holes, make decisions and play alongside their friends.
“For many, simply developing the confidence to move from the driving range onto the golf course has been a significant achievement.”
Get involved at your club
Clubs and facilities are now welcome to apply to be part of the 2027 Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship Program. The deadline is Wednesday, October 14.
Apply online here | Find full details of the program here
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