History of the Leicestershire & Rutland Lady Captains' Golf Association

The Society was formed in 1972 by Wendy Johnson and Rene Shipman.

The aim of the society was to encourage golf among the ladies of Leicestershire and Rutland.

The first committee was Wendy Johnson: President, Rene Shipman: Vice President, GM Anderson: Hon Secretary, Mavis Hawkyard: Hon Treasurer.

The annual subscription at this time was set at £1 per annum and in that first year 176 Ladies became members of the association.

The first competition was a greensome medal held at Longcliffe Golf Club on the 29th September 1972, (this is now our traditional Autumn Meeting). The entry fee for the competition was 75p and the loss for the day was £15.46.

The first bridge drive was held on the 1st February 1973 and that also made a loss of 75p.

The first Spring Meeting was a single stableford played in 3’s held at Willesley Park Golf Club on 28th April 1973. Ninety-two ladies played and finally a profit was made of £3.80.

Wendy Johnson and Rene Shipman presented trophies for the Spring and Autumn meetings. These are still played for now, even though the format of the competitions has changed over the years.

Initially it was decided that the AGM and the luncheon would be held on separate occasions as the ladies liked to wear their hats at the luncheon. The first luncheon was held at the Grand Hotel on the 22nd March 1973. Eighty-five lady captains attended and paid the grand sum of £1.75 for their meal. Over the years there have been various speakers and fashion shows. Our records show that Peter Allis was invited one year but the Association could not afford his fee.

Presidents Day was introduced later. The Association Flag was designed locally and made in April 1974 by Porter Bros Ltd of the King’s Dock in Liverpool. The table cloth was made in August 1974 in Leicester.

Today we have over 420 members and we have a lot to thank those who originally set up the Association.