RICHMOND GOLF CLUB has successfully applied to become a signatory of the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, a global drive to increase the number of women and girls participating in golf and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the golf industry.

Less than 50 golf clubs in England have achieved this status to-date.

The club received a letter from Jeremy Tomlinson, CEO of England Golf, which said: “Richmond Golf Club will be inspiring other clubs across the country to develop a more inclusive culture within golf for more women and girls to develop across all levels of the sport ... and it’s fantastic to see that you are working on all aspects of the club from governance to recruitment and retention.”

The club will focus on raising awareness of its inclusive approach and female coaching with the Graeme Storm Golf Academy is at the centre of the club’s activities.

Two-time European Tour Winner Graeme said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Women in Golf Charter at Richmond Golf Club to make golf more accessible and inclusive to women and girls who are new to golf.

“We hope to build and expand on the coaching we already have in place at the academy and welcome the opportunity to promote women and girls golf to a wider audience.”

The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter will be led by Barbara Gregory, Richmond’s current lady captain and director elect, who said: “Signing up to the charter shows commitment from the club and its members to build on the recent work we have done in encouraging women and girls to play golf.”

Any women and girls who would like to take up golf for the first time at Richmond should call Amy Lancaster, secretary on 01748-823231 or e-mail secretary@richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk