Two Lonsdale Links employees were successful recipients of a state government golf scholarship program grant aimed at helping Victorians kickstart careers in one of Victoria’s most popular sports.
Member for the Bellarine Lisa Neville announced that home grown talents Matthew Rogers and Lisa Zahra would attend the Golf Management Australia Conference on Thursday June 23.
Since 2021, the program has provided 26 future golf industry stars with grants of up to $7500 in the categories of golf administration, player support, horticulture and design.
Of the 26 scholarships awarded, 15 have gone to women, providing a launchpad for more women to take on leadership roles within the sport and recreation sector.
It was really helpful,” Ms Zahra said.
“The scholarship covers any career in golf. It covers admin and potentially careers of teaching pros.
“Working in human resources, it had a real focus on challenges within human resources in the golf industry.”
Ms Zahra said the challenges in golf include attracting more female employees and players.
“It’s particularly difficult in this industry to get women involved in golf,” she said.
“It’s predominantly a sport that males play. I think, roughly, the total proportion of women in the sport is 20 percent.
“A lot of them are older so there aren’t a lot of younger females in golf.”
Golf in Victoria contributes $883 million to the state’s economy and supports 6900 jobs.
With the support of the Golf Scholarship Program it is hoped to drive those numbers up so even more Victorians can see the benefits of a career in the golf industry.
