Ladies European Golf star Annabel Dimmock was on hand at Stoke Park as she helped over 30 beginners take their first steps in the sport.

The Buckinghamshire venue was one of more than 400 involved in the worldwide Women’s Golf Day which gave female players the chance to take part in a free introduction course.

Dimmock, 19, offered advice to the eager beginners and Stoke Park’s head of instruction, Stuart Rank, believes her involvement had a big impact.

“From a Stoke Park perspective it was a great success, and having Annabel here, as well, was exciting for the ladies,” Rank said.

“The feedback from those who attended – particularly those who had not really played before – was very positive. What’s more, it was clear they were having great fun.

“Several of the ladies have already signed up to come back for further lessons and, hopefully, that will be replicated worldwide as we, as an industry, look to introduce more people of both genders into the sport.”

Women’s Golf Day originated in the USA and the four hour event aims to get players of any experience level to play the sport in a relaxed, non-threatening environment.

Stoke Park has one of the most active ladies sections in the country and first began to encourage women to play in 1908.

The club was, therefore, delighted to be one of just five to play their part in Women’s Golf Day in England, and is eager to change an often negative approach to women in the sport.

“Women’s Golf Day is a new concept and sometimes new concepts take some time to get going – maybe that’s why just five venues in England participated,” Rank explained.

“The Ladies were surprised at how relaxed the place was. Many ladies have had bad first experiences at golf clubs and we are keen to change that.

“We should all be encouraging new golfers and taking away the barriers to membership – and, to that end making golf tuition more accessible is essential.”