23-05-2019
The recent Business Ladies into Golf programme at Dunmurry Golf Club was a huge success. Diamond’s Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, tells us a bit about the programme, and how business and golf can come together with great results.
Q: What was the programme all about?
Angela: Last year I decided I wanted to learn to play golf, but I wasn’t sure where to start and it was all a bit daunting. I regularly attend business networking events and wondered if there was a way of combining business with learning a new skill such as golf. I approached our customer, Dunmurry Golf Club, to see if they would support me with the idea of putting together a small group of business ladies who had an interest in learning to play. The Club were hugely supportive and created a twelve week coaching programme, while I drummed up the interest amongst my business connections.
Q: How many ladies signed up to the programme?
Angela: Twenty signed up, and others were interested but due to work or family commitments couldn’t partake in this particular programme. We held a launch night at the Club in November, and it was a chance for everyone to meet and hear a little bit more about the coaching. The coaching sessions started in January and we met on alternate Friday afternoons for an hour through the winter, and out the other side into the better weather in April.
Q: How did you find the coaching programme and did the ladies enjoy it?
Angela: I found the coaching really beneficial. Our coach, Chris Carroll, was very patient and explained things really well, as most of us were complete beginners. It was great craic on the Friday afternoons, and a fantastic way to unwind after a busy week in work. There was also networking going on, and business being done as friendships developed and our skills progressed. Feedback from the other ladies was great, and we have all stayed in touch.
“Above all it has been satisfying for me to support a club which has been a customer of ours since 1991.”
Q: Would you recommend golf to other women in business?
Angela: Absolutely. There is no better way to unwind and forget the stresses and strains of the workplace, even just for a few hours. I would love to see more women taking up the sport, and I am looking forward to attending corporate golf days, whereas previously I would have had to decline these invitations. Golf is great for mental as well as physical health and that is so important because we all lead such busy and demanding lives.
Q: Will you continue to play golf?
Angela: Yes, I am really enjoying it. I recently joined as an Associate member at Dunmurry, along with a few of the other ladies on the programme. The Lady Captain, Immediate Past Lady Captain, and Lady Vice Captain have given us tremendous support, along with the Lady Members who gave up their time to attend the coaching and offer their guidance. It has been a great experience and above all it has been satisfying for me to support a club which has been a customer of ours since 1991.
