A bigger-picture approach at Cosby is changing the club’s outlook and direction of travel for the better.
Cosby Golf Club’s nomination in the Women in Golf Charter Club Award category at the England Golf Awards reflects a concerted effort to embed equality and create meaningful pathways for women and girls within the club.
The nomination also speaks to a broader cultural shift, highlighting a programme of governance reform and grassroots participation initiatives that have reshaped the Leicestershire club’s outlook and direction.
Female representation on the Board has increased, with women playing a central role in decision‑making, and a revised constitution now opens all leadership positions – including Club President – to any gender. Women contribute across key committees, including greens and playing, while the Ladies’ Section continues to maintain strong competitive and handicapping structures.
England Golf cited the Women on Par initiative and the Cosheim Cup – a Solheim Cup‑inspired match play series designed to build confidence and develop competitive skills among female members – as prime examples of the club’s exemplary efforts. The junior section reflects similar progress, with women making up half of its organisers and three female Junior Captains appointed in the past five years.
“For us, this nomination isn’t just about one programme or one section of the club — it’s recognition of a much broader shift in how we see ourselves,” said General Manager Will Bevan. “We want Cosby to be representative of the community around us, with men, women and children all feeling that this is their club.
“That means having governance structures that reflect our membership, questioning the way things have always been done, and making sure every individual member feels valued. The Women in Golf Charter work is a really important step and we’re proud to gain that kind of recognition, but for us it sits within a broader ambition to become a truly inclusive, community-focused club for the long term.”
Members Deb Stevens, Suzanne Kinnaird and Ria Wilson have been heavily involved in the work that has helped the club to gain recognition from England Golf. Ria described the scope and scale of the work undertaken, with the launch of the Women on Par programme in 2025 a key element. The England Golf–supported initiative is designed to increase female participation and create a clear, welcoming pathway into membership.
Starting with six weeks of free taster sessions, women were afforded the opportunity to try golf at no cost, with no requirement to invest in equipment, and within a supportive, friendly learning environment.
“The response exceeded expectations,” said Ria. “We capped attendance at 50 participants and had a further 30 women on a reserve list, demonstrating strong demand for women’s golf within our local community.
“Following the taster phase, participants were invited to join a structured Pathway Membership running from 9th June to 9th December. This included a programme of lessons, guided course access following sign-off, a formal club induction, ongoing mentoring, and structured engagement to support long-term retention.
“The success of the programme reflects a significant volunteer effort. Members of our Ladies Section worked closely with our Club Professional, Darren Jones, to deliver sessions, provide mentoring, and ensure every participant felt welcomed and supported. Their time, commitment and enthusiasm have been central to the impact we have achieved.
“In addition, several mentors have progressed their own development by completing the Club Activator and Community Golf Instructor courses delivered by England Golf, further strengthening the club’s long-term capacity to grow the women’s game.”
The impact of the programme is captured in the words of those who took part, with participants such as 20-year-old Lily Burrell full of praise.
“Before the taster sessions, golf felt intimidating and out of reach,” she said. “The free sessions completely changed that for me — they were relaxed, welcoming, and genuinely fun. I met amazing women, gained confidence week by week, and felt supported from the very start. It didn’t feel like joining a club; it felt like being invited into a community. Within six months I have gone from a complete beginner to having my first handicap.”
Sam Maunder, 53, added: “Walking through the doors of Cosby Golf Club was genuinely quite nerve-racking as it was totally out of my comfort zone, but those nerves didn’t last long at all. I was met with such warmth, kindness, and encouragement that I very quickly felt relaxed and completely at home. I’ve never been made to feel like an outsider — just welcomed, supported, and embraced as part of the Cosby family.
“The taster lessons were absolutely fantastic — great value, good fun, and such a confidence boost. I’ve loved every single moment of the experience, including the many social events, and I am genuinely excited to be signing up for a 12-month membership in April. Joining Cosby Golf Club has been a great decision, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds here.”
Alongside coaching and course integration, the club introduced a series of social golf events — including Pizza & Putting, Burgers & Bunkers, and Fish & Chipping — which strengthened relationships among participants while also increasing clubhouse and catering engagement.
“We are extremely proud of the progress made and remain committed to building on this momentum to grow the game further within our community,” said Ria.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive Governance: Cosby has modernised its board and committee structures, ensuring women play a central role in decision-making and leadership positions.
- Pathways for Women: The Women on Par programme and initiatives like the Cosheim Cup provide structured, welcoming opportunities for women and girls to learn, compete, and engage with golf.
- Community-Focused Culture: Beyond female participation, the club is fostering a broader inclusive environment, encouraging engagement across age, gender, and membership categories while integrating with the local community.
