Port program a big hit
PORTARLINGTON professional Tyson Myers is hoping an introductory ladiesonly program can remove the “overwhelming experience” from taking up the sport and integrate beginners to becoming members.
Myers started the initiative just over 12 months ago and has had a positive reception from participants.
Golfers are taught the sport through four phases, starting at 50m from the green and gradually working back to the tees.
Myers said the program aimed to make it an easy introduction to golf but also had community and networking benefits.
“Golf … is quite intimidating to step into,” he said.
“There’s this expectation you know how to navigate a golf course, the clubs you’re going to use in each individual scenario, then to get thrust among regular golfer can be intimidating.
“Obviously if you play or never played and you’re playing with accomplished golfers … that can be a little intimidating when you get thrown in the deep end.
“Really, it’s about trying to create a community of likeminded individuals of a similar skill-set that are not only taken through training, but we also create that community and that network that when they’re confident to take on the golf course, they’ve got an established network that they can pick up the phone … and organise to get out on the course together.”
Myers takes on three classes per eight-week cycle and numbers are capped at six per group.
There’s also one complimentary private lesson and clubs are included.
Myers said he was satisfied with the traction the program had gained in the community.
“The club have come to the party and have designed an introductory membership category specific for these ladies coming through this program,” he said.
“It’s a discounted memberBILLY ship on our full services and retention has been really strong.
“I reckon about 85 to 90 per cent of the ladies that have come through the program have joined that introductory membership category.”
Victoria Baxter took the first steps in her golfing journey through the program and said Myers had an “enthusiastic and energetic approach to his coaching in an inclusive and encouraging manner”.
“Golf is very challenging
and tricky to embark on at any stage of life and Tyson manages to make it fun and informative,” Baxter said.
“Another really special talent of Tyson’s is to communicate a sense of a golfing community, which extends well beyond just playing the game.”