Women & Girls Golf

Encouraging equality

Since its founding, The National Golf Club has aimed to provide ‘a new direction in golf’. Whilst at inception this concept may have been more focused on a strategy for golf course development, this idea can now be easily applied to inclusion.

The National adheres to gender-neutral principles in its operations. We are firmly committed to promoting gender equality, ensuring that all members, regardless of gender, are treated equitably across all aspects of membership and participation. This commitment is integral to our governance model, with female representation on all committees to guarantee diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making.

Daily competitions are structured as medley events, where members choose a tee box based on ability rather than gender, and everyone competes in the same contest. Having four tees on each course is fairly distinctive, providing the flexibility to select the tee that best matches a variety of skill levels. Prizes are awarded based on final scores (with some exceptions for monthly medals and club championships). 

We have established policies and procedures that promote fairness and consistency, ensuring that all members have equal access to club activities and leadership opportunities.

Our People

In recent years, The National Golf Club has made significant strides towards fostering diversity and inclusivity at the leadership level. 

The role of Women’s Golf Coordinator (WGC) was introduced in 2019. The WGC plays a crucial role in fostering an encouraging environment for female members, working closely with both existing and new members to build a supportive network, mentor newcomers, and ensure they feel empowered to actively engage with the club.

In 2022, we appointed our first female Club Captain, followed by the appointment of our first female Board Chair in 2024 — landmark achievements that highlight a cultural shift within the club. Also in 2022, we welcomed two additional female members to the General Committee, increasing the number of women on our 11-member board to four. To ensure sustained progress, we have also committed to maintaining a minimum of two female members on each of our six main subcommittees. 

We are proud to honour outstanding golfers Biviana Gilson, Kerry Duddy, Sandra McCaw and Sue Wooster in The National Hall of Fame.

Meredith Ramadan, first female Club Captain

Jodi Micari, Women’s Golf Coordinator

Patricia Cross-Meadows. our first female Board Chair

Women-focused Clinics and Coaching

Throughout the year The National offers a range of clinics specifically for women and girls, run by our PGA coaches. For those who prefer coaching from a female instructor, we have a female coach, our PGA Professional Wendy Dragojlo. 

Summer Swing Pitch & Putt 6-hole course

Based around our accessible pitch and putt course Little Nash, our Women’s Summer Swing series is designed for women of all ages and skill levels, offering coaching, a game of pitch and putt, and an opportunity to meet and mix with other women. Whether it’s a new member, or their partner, daughter, or granddaughter, they have the chance to learn and play in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Welcoming our women members

Our Women’s Golf Coordinator distributes a quarterly newsletter keeping our women members up to date with relevant news and information and introducing our newest women members. In addition to golf events and clinics, the Club hosts social activities for casual mixing

Women Representing The National

Women have the opportunity to apply for teams playing in Women’s Bowls and Salvers events across the state, or to represent The National in our competitive women’s pennant or women’s interclub teams.  

The National is proud to host The National Invitational each March. Since the inaugural event in 2016, The National Invitational has become a highly popular event in the women’s golfing calendar. Numerous teams from across Australia have enjoyed the Club’s hospitality and the challenges of our courses. 

New Women Focused Initiatives

We have recently introduced two key initiatives to grow our female membership: the Learn, Play, and Connect program and the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship program (AGF JGS). 

Learn Play and Connect is designed to encourage female partners of existing members, who are new to golf or inexperienced players. The unique 3-stage program helps new golfers develop their skills, confidence, and enjoyment of the game whilst creating friendships with other women also starting their journey at The National Golf Club. An opportunity to try out the game with a graded investment model matching their interest and commitment along the learning journey, it is coordinated by our Australian PGA Coach Wendy Dragojlo. 

In 2023, the AGF JGSP welcomed 10 junior girls from member families and the local community, including some with no prior family golf experience. The program offered coaching, goal-setting, and opportunities for participants to engage with the club through special events. These girls are invited to apply for continued scholarships to advance their golf journey at The National.

The Junior Girls Scholarship Program has had a direct impact on increasing female participation, resulting in 10 new female members for 2024. These members will continue their involvement in 2025, and the program will expand by introducing another 10 junior girls in 2025.