PGA look for more women professionals

The Professional Golfers’ Association, based at The Belfry, are aiming to attract more women golfers into the professional game.

The move follows changes to the Ladies’ Golf Union’s handicapping system in 1998 and comes in response to the growing need for lady professionals to fill vacancies at clubs as teaching pros and golf directors.

The PGA have decided to recognise these changes by adjusting the handicap requirement for women from four to six.

Dr. Kyle Phillpots, the PGA’s Director of Training and Education, said: ‘‘It takes some time for the impact of any rule changes to filter through.

‘‘It is now harder and takes longer for ladies to reduce their handicaps as they have to play in more qualifying events.

‘‘The PGA is keen to ensure that we treat both sexes equitably. We have taken advice from the Ladies Associations and from the LGU, who have confirmed that just as a male golfer playing off four is considered to be a good player this relates to a handicap of six on the ladies system.

‘‘This is simply part of the entry criteria. In every other aspect of their programme they will have the same requirements as the men.’’