Albany Golf Club leading the way for girls
Girls’ golf in the West Australian town of Albany is on the rise after the club recorded record participation in its MyGolf Girls Month initiatives. A free, girls-only clinic in April quickly maxed out at 24 participants – the highest number of any of the 47 clubs nationwide – before a four-week follow-up program across May and June attracted another 24 budding golfers.
“The entire club was blown away by the response,” said Albany Golf Club head professional Michael Draper. “We had such high numbers I had to recruit more coaches to help run the sessions. I’m a big fan of the MyGolf Girls programs and we are looking forward to getting on board for another lot this year off the back of this success.”
For the young players, it was all about fun. “I reckon all my friends should give it a go, because it’s fun,” said Lucy, one of three Lucys in the program.
Participant Phoebe’s dad, Richard Miller, was equally delighted. “The coaches are really encouraging, everyone’s included and everyone comes away with a smile. I play golf and it’s something we can do together, and hopefully get better at together.”
Albany Golf Club plans to keep the momentum going with more MyGolf clinics for boys and girls in this latter part of the year. – Neal Maidment
TeeMates Tales: Chloe, the Queen of Cairns
Even though Chloe Pratley is only 12 years old, the Cairns junior and TeeMates member has come a long way since she first picked up a golf club in her family’s backyard six years ago.
While there have been numerous accolades and milestones along the way, Chloe’s biggest achievement came recently when she outlasted the rest of the field to be crowned the 2025 Cairns Golf Club women’s champion.
“The club champs were a tough test,” said her father Adam. “The course was hard and fast. She battled hard in dry windy conditions on each day, and she was leading every day and then obviously won the whole thing.”
Having started out in the MyGolf powered by Ripper GC program at Cairns, Chloe was then offered an Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship in 2022, which helped to elevate her game. Her handicap is floating around 6 now, but she has had it as low as 4 and is persistent to keep improving as much as she can.
Through TeeMates, Chloe has been able to play more courses and compete in events against other kids, which helped her being selected in the Queensland School Sports under-12 team. – Patrick Taylor
Gwen celebrates 60 years at Royal Fremantle
Gwen Cole’s remarkable journey at Royal Fremantle Golf Club has been honoured with her official recognition as a 60-Year Member of the club.
Life member Gwen, now 96, first joined in 1964 as a 21-handicapper. From there, Gwen’s name became synonymous with women’s golf at Royal Fremantle. Her haul of 17 club championship titles remains a women’s record at the club.
Gwen’s excellence also extended beyond club golf. Off the course, She gave tirelessly in leadership roles, serving as ladies’ captain and later president of the lady associates. In 1993, her contribution to Royal Fremantle was formally recognised with life membership. Earlier this year, she was again celebrated in a special ceremony marking her incredible 60 years of membership.
While age and ill health have limited her ability to play, Gwen still leads the season each year by striking the ceremonial opening tee shot, a role that continues to inspire the women and girl golfers who follow in her footsteps.
Royal Fremantle general manager Lucy Guppy says Gwen’s legacy is felt deeply by all at the club: “Gwen really is a wonder. Her story reflects not just her own dedication, but the determination and talent of women in golf who have helped shape our club. She remains an inspiration to our members, especially to the women and girls who continue to look up to her in the highest regard.” – Neal Maidment
2026 AGF Junior – Girls Scholarship Program applications still open
Applications remain open for the 2026 Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship Program, which continues to grow as one of the country’s most inspiring youth golf initiatives. Since its inception, more than 4,000 girls have been supported to enhance their golf skills, build friendships and grow in confidence on and off the course.
In 2025, the program reached record participation with 1,432 girls from 160 clubs, marking a 16 percent increase from the previous year. That brings the total to an incredible 4552 participants since the program began, reflecting the community’s growing momentum and impact.
The AGF proudly welcomes Hannah Green as ambassador for both the Junior Girls Scholarship and alumni programs, a fitting role model for the next generation. Highlights from 2025 include the program’s first scholar to compete on the WPGA Tour of Australasia and another applying for the PGA Member Pathway Program.
Applications for 2026 close on November 28, 2025. Visit australiangolffoundation.org.au to learn how your club can be part of the next chapter in growing the women’s game.
