Since 2009 the program has given many ladies the chance to try golf by joining a group where they all start off as equals and receive the assistance of FTGC lady members.

Mentoring is on each Saturday afternoon when the Birdies play nine holes at the Tuncurry course and once a month at the Forster course.

Club professional Daniel Newton provides a monthly golf lesson as part of the program.

The program started in 2009 by Anne Turner and Debbie Carey, members of FTGC and was certainly unique in its concept at that time.

In 2011 Robyn Baker took over as coordinator of the program and since then, each year, an average of 12 new ladies have taken advantage of the program. For those ladies who do not have any golf equipment golf sets are available.

Since 2011 there have been 42 Budding Birdies who have joined FTGC, which is an outstanding success rate.

Robyn said that the key to the success of the ladies joining FTGC has been the generous support of our lady members who give up their time each Saturday afternoon to mentor the Birdies. Our volunteer lady members walk with the girls and help with scoring, course etiquette, understanding the rules and generally how to hit the ball, making learning and understanding the game fun.

Club President Pat Burn said Budding Birdies has made FTGC the envy of other clubs. The program has been a great success and a real credit to our lady members who have expended much time and effort over the years and especially to Robyn Baker who has done an outstanding job.

Golf has long been known as a sport for all ages and the Budding Birdies program is a clear example with ladies ages ranging from their 20’s to 60’s and older.

Given the emphasis is really all about having fun many friendships have been formed through this special program.