More golf clubs appoint a woman as captain for first time

More golf clubs have this month announced that they have appointed a woman as captain for the first time in their history.

High Post Golf Club in Wiltshire, for example, has elected Debbie Rock as its club captain for 2025 — the first woman in the club’s 103-year history to hold this prestigious role.

Debbie’s connection to High Post began nearly a decade ago when she joined the inaugural WiGs (Women into Golf) programme, an inspiring initiative led by Kate Gregory and the High Post pro team. Designed to introduce more women to the game, the programme set Debbie on a path she never anticipated. Since then, she has gone on to represent the club across a wide range of teams and she has won three honours board competitions.

Debbie has a military background, being commissioned into the WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps) from Sandhurst, as part of only the second group of women to attend the prestigious military academy. Debbie also brings extensive experience in governance and education, having spent 25 years training local school governors across Wiltshire, and supporting governing bodies through challenging circumstances.

In her own words, Debbie reflects on the significance of this moment: “It is an absolute honour and a true privilege to be elected as club captain of High Post Golf Club for 2025. I am incredibly proud to take on this role. Being part of High Post is about more than just golf — it’s about friendship, shared values, and a strong sense of community rooted in tradition and a vision for the future.

“Attending that very first WiGs session set me on a path I could never have imagined. To now serve not only as ladies’ captain but also as the first elected female club captain in the club’s history is truly humbling. This moment reflects what High Post stands for — inclusion, opportunity, and a willingness to evolve while still honouring the foundations on which our club was built.”

Meanwhile, Abbey Golf Club in Worcestershire has also appointed its first female captain.

Julie Rosado took up the position on Saturday, April 5, during the club’s captain’s drive-in event.

Ms Rosado said: “I’m honestly so proud—and a bit overwhelmed—to be asked to be club captain. We’ve got the most amazing members here. It’s not just about golf; it’s about the community. The friendships made at Abbey really do last a lifetime.”

Numerous golf clubs have appointed women to be their club captains for the first time in their history in the last decade.