The women’s section of King Edward Bay Golf Club is preparing to celebrate three decades of golf, friendship and camaraderie – and they are hoping former members will join them for a special anniversary gathering.

The King Edward Bay (KEB) women’s section was officially formed in September 1996, although the first meeting had taken place a month earlier, on August 8.

Now, three decades on, the club is marking the milestone with an afternoon tea at the Onchan-based club on September 3 at 4pm, and current president Sue Rutter is keen to welcome as many past and present members as possible.

Sue has been delving into the section's old records ahead of the celebrations and says they provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the ladies' section.

‘It would be wonderful to get together as many past members as possible and celebrate what the ladies’ section has achieved over the last 30 years,’ said Sue.

Those early records reveal just how quickly the new section took off.

Following the first meeting, the men's committee loaned the ladies £69.30 to pay the English Ladies Golf Union subscriptions for 21 members.

Jean O'Connor became the first lady captain, while Barbara McNeil took responsibility for organising the section’s first competitions.

The ladies were certainly keen to make their mark both on and off the course. Among the first social events were a mixed scramble, with players able to choose between nine or 18 holes, as well as a race night and a fashion show.

Donald Jones also played an important role in encouraging new golfers, giving a series of lessons to help introduce players to the game.

The first Lady Captain's Day followed on June 28, 1997. Jean purchased a trophy which was presented to the first Player of the Year – another tradition which helped establish the identity of the growing section.

By the end of that first year, the ladies' finances had grown from those early beginnings to a balance of £742.92, while membership had doubled within just 12 months.

The first anniversary was marked in a suitably lasting fashion, with a bench provided at the 18th hole to commemorate the section's inaugural year.

There was also success on the wider stage, with Dee Lewis representing the club at the Island Games in Jersey.

From a first meeting of just 21 members to a thriving section with generations of golfers passing through its ranks, the KEB ladies have built a proud history over the past three decades.

The anniversary afternoon tea will provide an opportunity to look back on those early days, renew old friendships and celebrate the many women who have helped make the section what it is today.

Anyone interested in coming along is asked to contact Sue via e-mail: Sue Rutter [email protected] or the club on 672709.

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