Our aim in Lincolnshire is to inspire and empower young female golfers to enjoy a lifetime in golf. We provide a supportive pathway from grassroots participation to county, regional and national competition, developing golf skills, confidence, resilience, friendships and independence. Through regional coaching and partnerships with local clubs, we aim to reduce barriers to participation and strengthen the future of girls’ and women’s golf in the county.
Taskers Trophy Inter-Club funding supports this mission by providing coaching through the winter. It keeps players engaged in the game, improves their skills and leaves them keen to get cracking on the course in the new season.
This winter, 60 players have signed up to our coaching programme, up from 56 last year. They are split across three squads:
- Futures squad: 25 players with handicaps of 29 and above, in 3 regions, with 5 coaching sessions of 3 hours each.
- Development squad: 25 players with handicaps between 12 and 28, in 3 regions, with 5 coaching sessions of 3 hours each.
- Performance squad: 10 players with handicaps below 12, who receive 5 full-day coaching sessions through the winter.
The programme runs from October 2026 to April 2027, with 35 separate coaching sessions. This coaching is our biggest investment in junior golf, and the Taskers Trophy Inter-Club funding goes towards paying for the coaches.
We have also applied for funding from England Golf. Other income comes from raffles at LWGA events, the President’s fundraising day, a small percentage of county affiliation fees, and a nominal charge to Futures and Development squad players.
We assess success through:
- Participation and retention: applications, attendance, continued involvement and representation across North, Central and South Lincolnshire.
- Player development: skills assessments, handicap trends, competition scores and improvements in course management, short game, putting and mental skills.
- Pathway progression: movement between squads, readiness for county representation and progression towards regional and national opportunities.
- Player experience: feedback from girls, parents and coaches on enjoyment, confidence, friendships and the quality of support.
- Programme sustainability: effective use of funding, facilities, coaching resources and club partnerships.
Previous funding has made a difference. There is greater participation in our coaching programmes and competitions, and we have seen handicap reductions, which have led to progression through the squads. Four of our players have made the England regional squad, we have had success in national events, and the average age of our first team is now 22.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Taskers Trophy Inter-Club. The funding is used in a targeted way and focused on achieving our stated objectives and measures of success.
Sophie Beardsall - Lincolnshire Women's Golf Association
