‘You will have a great time!’ Helen delighted with Reay golf beginner sessions
A newcomer to the Reay golfing scene has declared that she would “absolutely recommend” the club’s sessions for beginners as they return for the sixth year in a row.
The “come and try” evenings begin on Wednesday, April 30, for both women and men, and will run for four consecutive weeks.
The women’s class is from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, followed by the men from 7.30pm until 8.30pm. Coaching sessions are free of charge and equipment will be supplied each week.
Helen Gisbey is one of the beginners who attended last year’s “come and try” activities at Reay.
She explained: “I was encouraged by my daughter, who is a member of the golf club, to attend the sessions in spring 2024.
“At this time my husband and I were in the middle of moving house from West Lothian to Thurso and she thought I would enjoy it as a way to meet new people.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure I would really enjoy golf, as any time I had joined my husband at the golf driving range I would get frustrated that this wee ball would not do what I wanted!
“The ‘come and try’ changed my mind totally. The coaches took the time to explain the basics, helped with practising, and were so patient.
“You have no idea how delighted I was when this ‘wee ball’ would now sometimes do what I wanted. I was addicted!
“When the ‘come and try’ sessions finished, I took up the club’s offer of temporary membership. This allowed me to see if I would enjoy it.
“The temporary membership allowed me to practise when I wanted and as often as I liked – it was superb. I also joined in with the ladies playing on a Thursday night.
“I started by playing just a few holes but was soon playing nine holes as a non-handicap player. This was a brilliant way to get started playing and the ladies of the club are so welcoming and encouraging. Everyone goes at their own pace.
“In October I decided to obtain my handicap, which allowed me to play in any of the relevant club competitions with the ladies or in mixed competitions.
“I would absolutely recommend coming to the ‘come and try’ sessions – you will be given a warm welcome by everyone. It doesn’t matter about your age – I was 56 when I started – or your fitness, you will have a great time.”
Club captain Carol Paterson said: “With the start of a new season and lighter nights on the horizon there’s no better time to get started. ‘Come and try’ gives beginners a chance to learn the basics correctly, from the get-go – they can meet up with others who are just starting out and all can have some fun out on the course.
“Our ‘come and try’ sessions have proved to be successful and we’d like this to continue.
“Golf is a great sport – all the family can play it. It’s great exercise for body and mind, super for your wellbeing, and is played in beautiful surroundings. If you ever fancied giving golf a go, now’s your time.
“I can’t believe we’re into our sixth year of ‘come and try’ already. This initiative has had a huge impact on the club and paid dividends with an increase in beginner memberships.
“Quite a few current members who attended ‘come and try’ previously are now playing regularly and really enjoying their golf.”
Anyone interested in attending, or who has any questions, can email at inforeay@gmail.com or make contact through the club’s social media pages.