At the UK’s busiest golf practice facility, women are shaping the future of the game. From PGA coaching to club fitting, Trafford Golf Centre and American Golf Trafford is proud to be home to a growing number of women making their mark, and showing the next generation that golf is a sport, and an industry, for everyone.
This September, the Manchester-based venue welcomes Erin Parker, a new PGA Assistant who will begin her training to become a PGA fully qualified coach. She joins Sophie Mullarkey, who is also undertaking her PGA qualifications. Together, they’re showing what’s possible for women in coaching and inspiring the next generation of golfers.
Erin said: “I’m so excited to be starting my PGA training at Trafford Golf Centre. It’s inspiring to be part of such a supportive team and to know I’ll be learning alongside other female coaches. My hope is that more girls and women see coaching as a real pathway into golf and the golf industry.”
Sophie added: “When I first started playing golf, I didn’t see many women in coaching roles, so it’s great to now be part of a team where that’s changing. Coaching here gives me the chance to help golfers of all levels improve and enjoy the game, and I hope that encourages more women and girls to give it a try too.”
The team extends beyond coaching. Amy Sarjantson works at American Golf’s flagship store at Trafford Golf Centre and is a highly skilled club fitter. From analysing swing speeds, shot characteristics and tailoring equipment, her role is key in helping golfers of all levels get the best out of their equipment and their game.
Amy and Erin testing clubs in the American Golf fitting bay
Amy said: “It’s great to be part of a team where women are visible in so many roles. Golf has changed a lot in recent years, and the moe we can show different pathways into the industry, the more inclusive it becomes.”
Alongside this, the centre’s operations team is also majority-female, reflecting Trafford Golf Centre’s commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment. At American Golf, sales of women’s products have grown from 6% to 12% over the past year, while the store has hosted regular “Women & Golf” events, supported by industry ambassadors.
Pete Styles, Director of Golf at Trafford Golf Centre said: “Golf has long struggled with the perception that it’s a male-dominated sport, but our team tells a different story. From the Clubhouse to the coaching bays, our female team members are playing a vital role in shaping the customer experience and the future of the game. Representation matters. Erin, Sophie, Amy and our wider team are role models for the next generation of golfers and golf professionals, showing that the sport is for everyone.”
With more than 500,000 visitors a year, Trafford Golf Centre is not only Europe’s busiest driving range but also the UK’s premier golf academy. Its Academy delivered over 25,000 lessons last year, introducing thousands of new players to the game, including more than 80,000 people who picked up a golf club for the first time.
As the wider industry works to close participation and workforce gaps, Trafford Golf Centre shows how change can be made locally, by ensuring women are supported and celebrated at every level of the game.
