Despite the biting cold on Monday 24th November, the atmosphere at Forest Hill Golf Club was nothing short of warm and welcoming as 27 enthusiastic women gathered for a special Women in Golf Charter (WIGC) Range Night. Organised and hosted by the County Charter Team Rachel East and Ellie York, the evening offered a brilliant blend of coaching, camaraderie, and community spirit.

The group was also joined by PGA Trainee Assistant Professional Holly Waterfield from Lutterworth Golf Club, who brought her expertise and enthusiasm to the coaching team. Together, they created a supportive environment where women of all abilities could learn, practise, and enjoy golf.

A Night Full of Activity and Learning

Participants enjoyed a variety of activities throughout the evening, including:

Coaching from a professional in the driving range bays, helping ladies develop their swing and refine technique

Putting drills and skills stations, offering fun ways to improve feel and accuracy

Opportunities to socialise, encouraging women from different clubs to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships

The range night was not only attended by players but also by WIG Charter Champions, who came along to support their members and gain insight from the County Charter Team.

Support from England Golf

The event was further strengthened by the presence of Jordan Diamond, England Golf’s Club and County Support Officer. Jordan offered invaluable advice to Club Charter Champions and praised the county’s efforts in creating welcoming, engaging sessions.

He highlighted how effective range evenings can be during the winter months, noting the positive relationships already beginning to form.

A Diverse and Enthusiastic Group

The 27 women who attended represented a wide variety of clubs across the county. Among the group was an i-golfer and even a complete newcomer who had never held a golf club before—a testament to the inclusive nature of the event and the wider Women in Golf Charter initiative.

The evening was a wonderful showcase of what the Women in Golf Charter aims to achieve: creating welcoming opportunities for women to learn, connect, and thrive in golf. With such energy and engagement on a cold November night, the future of women’s golf in the county looks brighter than ever.

The Leicestershire & Rutland Ladies County Golf Association recently hosted a fantastic Social Scramble event at Rothley Park Golf Club designed especially for women new to golf, with handicap indexes ranging from 30.1 to 54 and had only been playing for 2 years or less. The day brought together 27 enthusiastic ladies from across the county, representing clubs including Birstall, Beedles Lake, Cosby, Kirby Muxloe, Rothley Park, Longcliffe, Glen Gorse, and Market Harborough.

Formed into nine mixed teams of three, each group was carefully blended to include players from different clubs, encouraging everyone to make new connections while enjoying a relaxed and friendly format. The goal of the day was simple — to give newer golfers the chance to play with others of a similar level, build confidence on the course, and forge new friendships.

The atmosphere throughout the day was joyful, supportive, and full of laughter. Every participant received a goodie bag on arrival, filled with golf-related accessories, and enjoyed a well-deserved lunch after play. Prizes were awarded to the top five teams, adding a fun competitive edge to the occasion.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many ladies already asking when the next Social Scramble will be held — a true testament to the power of golf in bringing people together.

‘Really good day, thank you to all for arranging such a great day’ Sarah Hammond Longcliffe

‘Well done to everyone, my 4 Birstall ladies had a great day so many fantastic comments from them’  Sue Baily Birstall

‘It was such a great day and I feel I have more confidence now to enter opens’ Lilly Burrell Cosby

In contrast to the qualifying day, the semi finals of the Baxter Trophy yesterday (19th October) started off in the dry and the spectators of both semi finals were treated to some really excellent golf.

In the first semi final Darren Horne and Chloe Edmonds (Charnwood Forest) beat David Cooper and Yolande Evans (Whetstone) on the 18^th (1 Up) in an extremely closely fought contest.  In the second Peter Brough and Lucy Wheeler (Lutterworth) beat Liam Plant and Sharon Statham (Cosby) 2 and 1, with some excellent golf from all the players, to set up a final between Charnwood Forest and Lutterworth. 

At lunchtime the rain started, but a good crowd of spectators braved the weather and followed the final.  At the 16^th, Charnwood Forest were 3 up but Lutterworth fought back to take the match to the 18^th, and in a nail biting finish, Charnwood Forest sank a pressure putt to win the Baxter Trophy.

Thanks to Cosby Golf Club for hosting the competition, for making everyone so welcome, ensuring the course was in great condition and for the excellent food provided for the players and spectators.  Thanks also to the referees Andy Robinson and Phil Askew. Congratulations to all those players who reached the semi finals and particular congratulations to the eventual winners Darren Horne and Chloe Edmonds of Charnwood Forest.

After a very foggy start the Baxter Trophy finally teed off two hours late at Cosby Golf Club yesterday (12 October). Fifty six players from across the County took part in an excellent competiiton and many enjoyed a delicioust roast dinner when they finished playing.

Results from the day were as follows:-

Winners of the Best Gross were Darren Horne and Chloe Edmonds (Charnwood Forest) with a gross score of 74.

Winners of the Best Nett were David Cooper and Yolande Evans (Whetstone) with a nett score of 63.  Winners of the second Best Nett were Peter Brough and Lucy Wheeler (Lutterworth) with a nett score of 69 on countback from Ben Dixon and Pam Skidmore (Glen Gorse).

Full results can be seen by clicking on each of the competitions at :-

2025 Baxter Qualifying results

The semi-finals and final will take place next Sunday (19 October) at Cosby as follows:-

9am - Darren Horne and Chloe Edmonds (Charnwood Forest) v David Cooper and Yolande Evans (Whetstone)

9.10am Peter Brough and Lucy Wheeler (Lutterworth) v Liam Plant and Sharon Statham (Cosby)

Reserves:- Paul Dixon and Jo Morris Bourne (Willesley Park)

The final will tee off at 1.15pm between the winners of the above two matches.

All support is welcome.