An Interview With Ilona Stubley, The UK Long Drive Champion

How much does it cost to get started? What are the costs involved?

It can cost as little as a basket of balls at the range and the hire of a club. If you are looking to join a club, there is the cost of the annual subscription and you would want to buy your own set of clubs, but this can be done relatively cheaply if you aren’t looking to buy a brand new set.

I always thought it was predominantly for old men who did business – if I started playing would I have any women my own age to play with?

Yes, you tend to find that the women’s sections of golf clubs are very active and are very welcoming to new members. A lot of driving ranges also have ladies’ nights to encourage women’s participation. These are great as many women enjoy the opportunity to learn in a women-only environment and it gives them the ability to meet more people to play with.

What’s the best way to get started?

A lesson with a PGA pro at the local club or driving range is a good way to get started as they can help with the basics of the game and will be able to put you in touch with other female golfers. 

Where’s your favourite golf course? 

I’ve been lucky to play some amazing courses, but Loch Lomond has definitely been my favourite. I have only played it once though so would love to play there again.

If I challenged you to a game of crazy golf, who would win?

I am super competitive over everything so I’m going to say me.

How did you get into golf? How long have you played?

My dad got me into golf. I used to go to the driving range with him now and again but I didn’t really start playing properly until I was 16. I only took up Long Drive in April of 2017 and won the UK final in August 2017.

What do you like about it?

I like the challenge of golf, that you have to master all the different elements of the game and the feeling when you put together a good round. I love that Long Drive is fast paced and the fun atmosphere around it. When players are hitting balls, music is playing and there is a good atmosphere from the crowd.

Had you been trying to break the record for a while? 

It had never crossed my mind to do anything like that. But American Golf approached me to say they were putting on the record attempt and asked if I would like to be involved, obviously I jumped at the chance. 

Top tips for getting a hole in one?

Why do you think it’s less popular for women than men?

I think its the perception of the game that it’s for men. In the media it is mostly the men that have the coverage so there haven’t been as many role models for girls in the game to look up to. If you asked someone to name a professional golfer they will most likely name a male. The women’s game needs to be promoted a lot more.  It is good that there are initiatives now to grow the game with women and girls, which will hopefully encourage more females into the sport.

How can we get more women involved?

I think a lot of people are time poor these days and aren’t able to give 4 hours to play a round of golf, so it’s creating different options for people to still get involved. I also think the thought of joining a golf club or going to the driving range can be quite intimidating for people as the majority of people there will be men. I know some women that don’t like to go to the range as they feel they won’t be very good at hitting the ball and think all the men will be watching.  Even something as small as having a few women only bays at the range may help in getting more people to take up golf. I think the biggest thing is making women feel comfortable in a golfing environment.