The Suffolk Ladies’ County Golf Association was formerly “The Suffolk Ladies County Golf Club” and was formed in 1926 by six Clubs, Aldeburgh, Bungay, Felixstowe, Ipswich, Royal Worlington and Woodbridge. In the first year there were ninety members paying a subscription of Seven Shillings and Sixpence (7/6d) each.
In 1965 the name was changed from “Club” to “Association”.
From 1993 all lady members of affiliated Suffolk clubs automatically became members – the affiliation fee coming directly from their clubs. In 2018 we had 1,903 members from 30 clubs.
Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association (SLCGA) is affiliated to England Golf (the EWGA and EGU merging in 2012).
In 2026, we will be celebrating this historic achievement with special events and centenary themed regular competitions. We hope that as many of you will take part in these celebrations.
The opening event was held at Woodbridge golf club on Monday, the 13th of April. Lady captains from all our Suffolk clubs were invited with their chosen guest, with the organisers dressing in appropriate 1920s attire and players being challenged to use hickory clubs on the first tee.
Centenary Opening Event at Woodbridge Golf Club
This year a major milestone has been reached – it is 100 years since the establishment of the Suffolk Ladies County Golf Association (SLCGA); formed in 1926 by six clubs (Aldeburgh, Ipswich, Bungay, Royal Worlington, Felixstowe and Woodbridge). In its first year there were 90 members paying a subscription of seven shillings and sixpence – doesn’t sound a lot but it is equivalent to £38 in today’s money.
A calendar of events is planned throughout the forthcoming year and to kick start the year in style Lady Captains and guest were invited to attend the opening event at Woodbridge Golf Club. What a day it was, with every club represented and everyone fully embracing the occasion. We were blessed with great weather and the hospitality provided by Woodbridge GC was exceptional; ladies very much enjoying the sherry or “old fashioned lemonade” and afternoon tea.
To add to the occasion, there were some amazing 1920s golfing outfits on show, and we also had the opportunity to play the first hole with the hickory clubs provided by Tony Hunt (no relation to Vicki!). Not only did he bring the clubs, but he also gave everyone a lesson in how to use them – it seems that the secret to success is a blue tee and a smooth stroke! A unique experience that was greatly appreciated by everyone and he has generously agreed to make them available to us for a few more of our events! The golfing concluded with a putting competition (again using the hickory putters).
Amusingly, at the first ladies golf club (formed in 1867 at St Andrews) their strokes were limited to a “putting variety”. By the 1880s, the ladies’ game had transformed into “full swing” golf .
With an amazing score of 47 the winners of the 18-hole competition (4BBB format) were Susie Manson-Bar and Penny Gaunt from Aldeburgh, runners up with an equally impressive score of 42 were Trina Pearce and Hilary Bidewell from Ufford Park.
We can be certain that the next 100 years will be equally as daunting as the last and the next few years will set the stage in Suffolk for longer term transformation:
- Unification – viewed as a step towards a more united and inclusive sport, bringing male and female golfers closer, fair levels of commitment, opportunity and investment
- Artificial intelligence, immersive coaching and virtual competitions will change how players train and connect
- Clubs and facilities will act as social and wellness hubs – places where sport, friendship and sustainability converge
The future of golf will not be built by policy alone but by people – we all have a vital role to play in welcoming newcomers, mentoring juniors and modelling fairness and kindness if we are to build on the achievements of our predecessors. If we get this right, we will build strong foundations for the future that our grandchildren’s children or even their grandchildren will be celebrating in 2126.