Ladies Can Golf has been named the winner of the Women & Girls Trailblazer Award at the 2026 England Golf Awards, celebrating a movement that has reshaped access to the game for women across the country.
What began as a small idea between two friends has grown into a national force for change.
Since its inception, Ladies Can Golf has engaged more than 1,000 women through structured programmes designed to remove long‑standing barriers to participation.
By offering safe, inclusive, accessible and affordable opportunities, the initiative has opened the door for women of all ages and abilities — from complete beginners to those returning to the sport after time away.
A defining strength of the programme is its commitment to supportive, confidence‑building environments. Participants benefit from social golf days, on‑course experiences and specialist coaching, including SwingFit sessions that develop both performance and physical readiness.
These activities have delivered measurable improvements in skills and confidence, while fostering strong peer networks that encourage long‑term engagement.
Ladies Can Golf has also created a proven community model that empowers women in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Testimonials consistently highlight its positive impact on mental wellbeing, with many reporting improved mood, reduced stress and a renewed sense of belonging.
Beyond the fairways, the programme’s corporate strand uses golf as a platform for women’s career development and workplace networking, partnering with organisations committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to increase female visibility in professional settings.
This award recognises a scalable, forward‑thinking initiative that is inspiring a growing community of women who feel supported, empowered and excited to continue their golfing journey.
Yoshimi Douglas-Street, Co-Founder of Ladies Can Golf, said: “We’re extremely proud. It's something that me and Ana (Browne) discussed over ideas, etc, a couple of years ago, and the fact that it's been recognised, especially at the England Golf Awards, is amazing.
“Creating a community for ladies within golf that's a safe space, that they feel that they can just try the sport and not be apprehensive, anxious, etc, and have fun along the way - it means more than I think we ever thought. We've created an environment and something that ladies have felt comfortable in being a part of. There'll be nonstop parties for sure, with playing on the course, meet-ups, coffees and outings!”
Ana Browne, Co-Founder of Ladies Can Golf added: “We would like to introduce golf to every female. It's great fun and just introduce as many people as possible to get involved. You might find it tricky at first but some are very natural, like Yosh! For me, I had to really give it a good go and keep going. But you'll be addicted before you know it and it'll be worth it!
“Ladies Can Golf is a really friendly environment. There's no pressure at all. We actually, we talk more than men do. It's a little bit like a therapy session sometimes when we get together. We drink, we have lovely meals and it's just so social and yeah, there’s no judgement.
"Away from the golf course we build that community too. We often do range events, and we all meet up together. We do pizza and prosecco, or we get together and just do some golf training practices. We also do quarterly meals where we all get together so everybody gets to know each other and connect. And I think connection's really important. Finding a golf buddy, like I did with Yosh when we first learnt together, I was very lucky that we had each other to move forward.
“That's what we're trying to create for other women. And we want people to come join the group, have fun, and then explore theit options. We'll signpost them to where inclusive clubs are - just come and have fun!”
Since its inception, Ladies Can Golf has engaged more than 1,000 women through structured programmes designed to remove long‑standing barriers to participation.
By offering safe, inclusive, accessible and affordable opportunities, the initiative has opened the door for women of all ages and abilities — from complete beginners to those returning to the sport after time away.
A defining strength of the programme is its commitment to supportive, confidence‑building environments. Participants benefit from social golf days, on‑course experiences and specialist coaching, including SwingFit sessions that develop both performance and physical readiness.
These activities have delivered measurable improvements in skills and confidence, while fostering strong peer networks that encourage long‑term engagement.
Ladies Can Golf has also created a proven community model that empowers women in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Testimonials consistently highlight its positive impact on mental wellbeing, with many reporting improved mood, reduced stress and a renewed sense of belonging.
Beyond the fairways, the programme’s corporate strand uses golf as a platform for women’s career development and workplace networking, partnering with organisations committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to increase female visibility in professional settings.
This award recognises a scalable, forward‑thinking initiative that is inspiring a growing community of women who feel supported, empowered and excited to continue their golfing journey.
Yoshimi Douglas-Street, Co-Founder of Ladies Can Golf, said: “We’re extremely proud. It's something that me and Ana (Browne) discussed over ideas, etc, a couple of years ago, and the fact that it's been recognised, especially at the England Golf Awards, is amazing.
“Creating a community for ladies within golf that's a safe space, that they feel that they can just try the sport and not be apprehensive, anxious, etc, and have fun along the way - it means more than I think we ever thought. We've created an environment and something that ladies have felt comfortable in being a part of. There'll be nonstop parties for sure, with playing on the course, meet-ups, coffees and outings!”
Ana Browne, Co-Founder of Ladies Can Golf added: “We would like to introduce golf to every female. It's great fun and just introduce as many people as possible to get involved. You might find it tricky at first but some are very natural, like Yosh! For me, I had to really give it a good go and keep going. But you'll be addicted before you know it and it'll be worth it!
“Ladies Can Golf is a really friendly environment. There's no pressure at all. We actually, we talk more than men do. It's a little bit like a therapy session sometimes when we get together. We drink, we have lovely meals and it's just so social and yeah, there’s no judgement.
"Away from the golf course we build that community too. We often do range events, and we all meet up together. We do pizza and prosecco, or we get together and just do some golf training practices. We also do quarterly meals where we all get together so everybody gets to know each other and connect. And I think connection's really important. Finding a golf buddy, like I did with Yosh when we first learnt together, I was very lucky that we had each other to move forward.
“That's what we're trying to create for other women. And we want people to come join the group, have fun, and then explore theit options. We'll signpost them to where inclusive clubs are - just come and have fun!”
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