Breadsall Priory appoints female professional

Natalie Clarke joins Breadsall Priory as the first female PGA pro in Derbyshire.

Marriott Breadsall Priory has confirmed PGA Professional Natalie Clarke as lead teaching professional.

It’s part of a number of initiatives created to help develop female interest in golf in the area.

Clarke has competed on the Ladies European Tour and said she is aware that her appointment could help tap into an underrepresented presence in the game.

She said: “I love how teaching gives me the opportunity to meet and work with all levels of golfers.

“I’m excited about the challenge of developing women’s golf here at Breadsall Priory by increasing awareness and driving participation.”

Clarke is the only PGA qualified female teaching professionally in Derbyshire and has worked with acclaimed coach Pete Cowen.

Steve Turner, Director of Golf at Breadsall Priory, said: “Natalie’s experience will greatly enhance the level of golf tuition we are able to offer and we anticipate her appointment will drive female participation going forward.

“We already have plans in place to run a series of ladies evenings and introductory clinics in the coming months and with the addition of Natalie we think these will be a great success.”

Full details on Breadsall Priory’s initiatives for women, contact the golf team by ringing 01332 836 016 or by visiting www.marriottgolf.co.uk/club/breadsall-priory/referer/locationselect .

A number of new programmes have been brought in this year in order to encourage women to take up sport.

ThisGirlGolfs was one of the campaigns introduced earlier this year that saw celebrity golfers and professionals star in a promotional video.

BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty and Charley Hull were part of the initiative and feature in the video.

On the subject of the campaign, Sandy Jones, CEO of The PGA, said: “This is actually a great opportunity to both raise the profile of golf, break down myths and misconceptions and to actively encourage women of all ages to see golf as a realistic choice.”