Jessica Pitchford is set to make history at The Shropshire Golf Centre as one of the youngest Lady Club Captains ever.
At just 21 years old, she officially stepped into the role on Monday 17 February, 2025.
Having started her golf journey at Telford Golf Club, where she served as Junior Captain, Jessica has since represented Shropshire & Herefordshire’s Juniors and Women’s First-Team.
Jessica, who has become the youngest person to sign up to the England Golf Captains programme, currently plays with an impressive Handicap Index® of 4.8.
We sat down with Jessica to discuss her ambitions as Lady Captain and her journey in the sport.
What does it mean to you to become Lady Captain at The Shropshire?
“For me, it’s about leading the section in a way that ensures its future success. When I moved to The Shropshire at 16, it was a completely different experience. I found a thriving ladies’ section and a strong junior programme, which helped me develop as a player. That’s something I’ve been passionate about as Vice-Captain – ensuring the club is preparing for the next decade, rather than just the next year or two.
“Traditionally, golf clubs have been led by captains of a certain age group, but I believe it’s time to modernise and ensure we are creating opportunities for younger players. I want to break old habits, introduce new ideas, and make golf more accessible to all generations.”
What are your main goals for the role?
“A key goal of mine is to create more opportunities for competitive players within the ladies’ section while also ensuring newer players feel encouraged and supported. We have a group of ladies who regularly practise at the driving range but were hesitant to step onto the course. Over the last year, we have seen their development as they’ve ventured onto the course and started playing in competitions, which is lovely to see. This year, I will be working on a buddy-up system where experienced players guide beginners onto the course in a non-intimidating environment. This will not only build confidence but also strengthen our section by integrating new members.
“Another important focus is ensuring safety and inclusivity. Having once experienced a situation where I didn’t feel safe on the course, I want to make sure that every golfer – regardless of age or gender – feels comfortable and protected. Additionally, I’d love to see more flexibility in competition formats, where players can compete from tees suited to their ability rather than being restricted by gender-based traditions. I am proud to say that this is something that my club is looking at doing more often.”
Tell us about your golfing journey.
“I first picked up a club at eight years old when George Bowden started a beginners’ golf lesson at Telford Golf Club. My dad played golf, so he encouraged me to give it a try. I attended every Saturday until I was 13, at which point George told me I needed to transition to the course.“I became Junior Captain at Telford and worked closely with George, especially when he started the Girls Golf Rocks programme. I competed for Shropshire & Herefordshire, was named Most Improved Junior Girl in 2018, and eventually moved to The Shropshire. Later, I attended Hartpury University as part of their Golf Academy before returning home to continue playing at The Shropshire.
“Golf runs in my family – my dad, grandads, uncle, great aunt, and sister, all play. There are currently five Pitchfords at The Shropshire, spanning three generations. My 90-year-old granddad still plays when he can, which is pretty impressive! I have fond memories of me and my sister playing rounds with Grandad Kel and Uncle George at Wrekin Golf Club, where they were both members. They taught us so much on the course, and I miss being able to play with them. I hope we are doing them proud.”
What are your tournament goals for the year?
“I’m aiming to defend my club championship title and compete in England Golf Championship events, including the English Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Alwoodley and the English Amateur at Royal Liverpool and Wallasey.
“Balancing golf with my career will be a challenge, as I start my PE teaching career in September. Since becoming Vice-Captain, I’ve completed a first-class honours degree in Physical Education in School Sport and am now pursuing my PGCE with West Midlands Consortium. It’s a busy year ahead, but I’m excited for it!”
What are your most memorable moments on the course?
“My best moments on the golf course are the ones I have been able to spend playing rounds with my family. Being able to play golf with Grandad Kel and Uncle George, who are no longer with us, are memories that will last forever. Seeing the pride in their eyes as they watched both myself and my sister play – whether that was at Wrekin when we were having a casual round, or when they came to watch us compete for the county – it means so much to me.”
What do you love most about the game?
“It’s the people. You can learn more about someone in 18 holes of golf than you would in any other setting. My dad always told me that golf builds lasting connections, and I’ve found that to be true. Whether playing with strangers or my regular four-ball, the camaraderie in golf is unmatched. The Shropshire feels like my second home, and I’d do anything for the people here.”
What’s your greatest achievement in golf?
“Competing in the Junior European Open at Telford was an incredible experience, especially since it was covered by Sky Sports. I missed qualifying for Spain by just one shot, which was heartbreaking but also motivating. “Another great moment was getting a hole-in-one at Telford Golf Club on the 11th hole. I told my whole family about it! It’s still something I can brag about with my dad, as he is yet to have one—although he has been close a few times.
“However, my proudest achievement is becoming Lady Captain at 21 – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of the sport I love.”
What do you hope to achieve through golf?
“My dream is to make golf more inclusive and accessible. I want to break stereotypes and create opportunities for young girls to get into the sport.
“With the support of PGA coaches Dave Baker and Dave Ashton, as well as my connection with George Bowden at Telford, I’m confident we can grow female participation in golf. The goal is to provide young girls with a pathway into the game, ensuring that they feel welcomed and encouraged.”
Jessica is now an active member of the England Captains programme, which connects past, present, and vice-captains with exciting opportunities to compete at some of the country’s best courses. Find out more about the programme by clicking here.
Jessica’s journey as one of the youngest Lady Captains is an inspiring testament to her dedication to the sport. Her vision for a more inclusive and progressive golfing community is sure to leave a lasting impact at The Shropshire and beyond.
Having started her golf journey at Telford Golf Club, where she served as Junior Captain, Jessica has since represented Shropshire & Herefordshire’s Juniors and Women’s First-Team.
Jessica, who has become the youngest person to sign up to the England Golf Captains programme, currently plays with an impressive Handicap Index® of 4.8.
We sat down with Jessica to discuss her ambitions as Lady Captain and her journey in the sport.
What does it mean to you to become Lady Captain at The Shropshire?
“For me, it’s about leading the section in a way that ensures its future success. When I moved to The Shropshire at 16, it was a completely different experience. I found a thriving ladies’ section and a strong junior programme, which helped me develop as a player. That’s something I’ve been passionate about as Vice-Captain – ensuring the club is preparing for the next decade, rather than just the next year or two.
“Traditionally, golf clubs have been led by captains of a certain age group, but I believe it’s time to modernise and ensure we are creating opportunities for younger players. I want to break old habits, introduce new ideas, and make golf more accessible to all generations.”
What are your main goals for the role?
“A key goal of mine is to create more opportunities for competitive players within the ladies’ section while also ensuring newer players feel encouraged and supported. We have a group of ladies who regularly practise at the driving range but were hesitant to step onto the course. Over the last year, we have seen their development as they’ve ventured onto the course and started playing in competitions, which is lovely to see. This year, I will be working on a buddy-up system where experienced players guide beginners onto the course in a non-intimidating environment. This will not only build confidence but also strengthen our section by integrating new members.
“Another important focus is ensuring safety and inclusivity. Having once experienced a situation where I didn’t feel safe on the course, I want to make sure that every golfer – regardless of age or gender – feels comfortable and protected. Additionally, I’d love to see more flexibility in competition formats, where players can compete from tees suited to their ability rather than being restricted by gender-based traditions. I am proud to say that this is something that my club is looking at doing more often.”
Tell us about your golfing journey.
“I first picked up a club at eight years old when George Bowden started a beginners’ golf lesson at Telford Golf Club. My dad played golf, so he encouraged me to give it a try. I attended every Saturday until I was 13, at which point George told me I needed to transition to the course.“I became Junior Captain at Telford and worked closely with George, especially when he started the Girls Golf Rocks programme. I competed for Shropshire & Herefordshire, was named Most Improved Junior Girl in 2018, and eventually moved to The Shropshire. Later, I attended Hartpury University as part of their Golf Academy before returning home to continue playing at The Shropshire.
“Golf runs in my family – my dad, grandads, uncle, great aunt, and sister, all play. There are currently five Pitchfords at The Shropshire, spanning three generations. My 90-year-old granddad still plays when he can, which is pretty impressive! I have fond memories of me and my sister playing rounds with Grandad Kel and Uncle George at Wrekin Golf Club, where they were both members. They taught us so much on the course, and I miss being able to play with them. I hope we are doing them proud.”
What are your tournament goals for the year?
“I’m aiming to defend my club championship title and compete in England Golf Championship events, including the English Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Alwoodley and the English Amateur at Royal Liverpool and Wallasey.
“Balancing golf with my career will be a challenge, as I start my PE teaching career in September. Since becoming Vice-Captain, I’ve completed a first-class honours degree in Physical Education in School Sport and am now pursuing my PGCE with West Midlands Consortium. It’s a busy year ahead, but I’m excited for it!”
What are your most memorable moments on the course?
“My best moments on the golf course are the ones I have been able to spend playing rounds with my family. Being able to play golf with Grandad Kel and Uncle George, who are no longer with us, are memories that will last forever. Seeing the pride in their eyes as they watched both myself and my sister play – whether that was at Wrekin when we were having a casual round, or when they came to watch us compete for the county – it means so much to me.”
What do you love most about the game?
“It’s the people. You can learn more about someone in 18 holes of golf than you would in any other setting. My dad always told me that golf builds lasting connections, and I’ve found that to be true. Whether playing with strangers or my regular four-ball, the camaraderie in golf is unmatched. The Shropshire feels like my second home, and I’d do anything for the people here.”
What’s your greatest achievement in golf?
“Competing in the Junior European Open at Telford was an incredible experience, especially since it was covered by Sky Sports. I missed qualifying for Spain by just one shot, which was heartbreaking but also motivating. “Another great moment was getting a hole-in-one at Telford Golf Club on the 11th hole. I told my whole family about it! It’s still something I can brag about with my dad, as he is yet to have one—although he has been close a few times.
“However, my proudest achievement is becoming Lady Captain at 21 – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of the sport I love.”
What do you hope to achieve through golf?
“My dream is to make golf more inclusive and accessible. I want to break stereotypes and create opportunities for young girls to get into the sport.
“With the support of PGA coaches Dave Baker and Dave Ashton, as well as my connection with George Bowden at Telford, I’m confident we can grow female participation in golf. The goal is to provide young girls with a pathway into the game, ensuring that they feel welcomed and encouraged.”
Jessica is now an active member of the England Captains programme, which connects past, present, and vice-captains with exciting opportunities to compete at some of the country’s best courses. Find out more about the programme by clicking here.
Jessica’s journey as one of the youngest Lady Captains is an inspiring testament to her dedication to the sport. Her vision for a more inclusive and progressive golfing community is sure to leave a lasting impact at The Shropshire and beyond.
ENDS
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org