A MILLENNIUM push for golfing girl-power has yielded exceptional dividends for Malton and Norton Golf Club.

No less than 18 girls, aged between ten and 17, make up a thriving female junior section at the club. At the heart of the push to introduce the game to girls is current lady captain Jean Mackenzie. She took up golf while teaching in Zambia, a country she once represented in an international match.

Two years ago, she launched the first of several moves to promote girl membership at the club. A teacher at Bishop Wilton primary school, she used her contacts to leaflet all the local schools and arranged two 'taster' sessions.

Boosted by the support of the Malton and Norton ladies' section, club professional Steve Robinson, and backed by grant aid from various bodies including the Golf Foundation and the Awards for All scheme, Jean has now been able to attract an array of teenage female golfing potential.

"It has meant constantly chipping away, but we now have a good mix and a good age range," she enthused. "We've not got any stars just yet, but we're working at it."

To widen the coaching scope for the venture, Jean took several Golfing Foundation junior ladies' courses, and her endeavours have found allies in Robinson and his assistant professional James Drinkall.

Jean added that there's also been help from Malton's star woman player, Emma Duggleby, the current Yorkshire champion and former England and Great Britain title-holder.

"Emma has been a great emissary for us and everyone at the club has given their backing to bringing in more girls to play," added the lady captain.

"Unfortunately, it's a different mindset with girls than boys of around that age. Girls tend to be a bit timid, but if we can get them to play early enough we believe we can keep them interested in the game."

Updated: 10:13 Wednesday, September 04, 2002