There was Lottie Woad’s win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament – leading to her becoming the world number one ranked women’s amateur player.
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Then there was Luke Bone’s speed golf success at the world championships in Japan – he fared well in the individual competition and won the World Speed Golf Pairs Championships. He also happens to be Lottie’s golf coach.
Farnham Sports Council chairman David Gill spoke to Farnham Golf Club general manager Ben Beagley, head professional Luke Bone and junior organiser and Lottie’s father Nick Woad to find out more about the club’s success.
“I joined the team here in early 2018, so I’m now in the beginning of my eighth year at the club,” said Beagley.
“The club’s reputation is built on a combination of factors.
“The ever-improving facilities play a key role, particularly the quality of the course and the consistently high greenkeeping standards. But ultimately, it’s the people who make the difference – our dedicated volunteer members and staff have been instrumental in developing outstanding junior and academy sections, ensuring the club continues to thrive.
“Wise governance over the past decade has strengthened the club’s ability to reinvest in its facilities. Our initial priority was the course itself, ensuring it remained in top condition. More recently, we’ve focused on upgrading the clubhouse, creating a more modern and welcoming environment. And we’re not stopping there – exciting improvements are still to come, on and off the course.
“We take our responsibility as custodians of this beautiful heathland course very seriously. This rare and protected habitat is something we actively preserve and expand. Recent sustainability initiatives include the introduction of solar panels and more efficient heating systems.
“We’re also exploring the use of electric mowing machinery, including autonomous robotic mowers. Our greenkeeping team follows sound agronomic practices that align with the best environmental sustainability standards, ensuring we protect and enhance our natural surroundings.
“We’re proud signatories of England Golf’s Women in Golf Charter and have a long-standing history of supporting women’s golf, with a strong ladies’ section and a legacy of supporting exceptional female players.
“We’re also committed to making the game accessible to younger players through our junior programmes and academy initiatives, helping to nurture the next generation of golfers and grow the game in Farnham.”
“I joined the club at the age of 15, so I’ve been here 23 years,” said Bone.
“This has been my only club so FGC is in my veins. I have been working here as a professional for 17 of those years and been head professional for five years.
“People have golf lessons because they want to learn a new skill or improve their current skills. Attached to that is a number of associated benefits – socialising, exercise, work connections and being competitive.
“We now have way more technology to measure what people are doing with their swings. But when it comes to training and developing those skills, it all boils down to communication.
“What sets Lottie apart is her work ethic and dedication to practise. She deserves everything she has achieved so far and being a part of it is an honour. Although I am her coach, she has also helped drive me to become better.
“It was an amazing experience in Japan and to say that you are a world champion is very cool. The sport is pretty simple – time plus score. So 80 shots in 40 minutes gives you a total of 120. Lowest total wins. It combines running fitness and golf precision and it taps into an instinctive way of playing the game which resonates hugely with my approach to coaching.
“It helps that my first sport as kid was running so getting fit comes naturally to me and I love pushing myself in training. I also found my nervous energy never transferred so well to golf but speed golf channels it for me. Basically, if they were going to invent a sport for me, this would be it.”
“I joined Farnham GC in 2006 when we moved to the area,” said Woad.
“In 2011 I helped the then junior organiser John Oliver and Luke set up the FGC Junior Academy when our daughters showed interest in golf. A year or so later I took over the role of junior organiser, and with the help of fellow volunteers and Luke we set about growing the junior golf programme at Farnham.
“We have a very active and large junior section with approximately 200 children aged from five to 17 years old. The club’s professional staff hold numerous group coaching sessions every week, in the school holidays and after school when daylight permits. We have an extensive programme of competitions, together with matches against other clubs. We benefit from having a club whose staff and members are hugely supportive of junior golf. This year we’re having an extra push to promote and grow girls’ golf at the club.
“We’re incredibly proud of Lottie’s hard work, resilience and perseverance towards her goals. She’s very determined and focused on how she can be the best version of herself. We’re most proud of how she has handled the pressure and attention and learnt as much from when it hasn’t gone well, as when it has.
“As a youngster she was keen on all sports, playing them at many local clubs including Beacon Hill Junior Football Club, Churt Cricket Club and Elstead Tennis Club.
“A key moment came in 2017 when Lottie won the Abraham Trophy and the title of England’s Most Improved Girl Golfer of the Year at 13 years old. She was entered into the event by Surrey Women’s County Golf, on the basis of her handicap reduction from the preceding 12 months. Lottie, then just a nine handicapper, shot a level par 72 (net 63) to win by nine shots. This win earned her a place in an England Golf Regional Squad, and golf changed from just one of her sports, to her main focus. Within 18 months she was a scratch golfer and was playing for England.
“That final round at Augusta was incredibly exciting, stressful and a real rollercoaster of emotions. She led through the first 12 holes, but then suddenly after her bogey on the 13th hole, she was two behind when Bailey Shoemaker closed with a round of 66. Her finish, turning it round with three birdies on the last four holes, was simply sensational. I’ve watched years of amazing finishes at the Masters on TV, but then watching in person our daughter do that was just a dream.
“The following day was very special as we were all invited back to Augusta and had a tour of the whole facility with the club’s historian. Lottie’s picture, scorecard and trophy were already on display in the Champions Room.
“Lottie has a very busy year planned. The highlights will include trying to defend her ANWA title at Augusta, and playing the US Women’s Open and AIG Women’s Open in the summer. She also has an invite to the Irish Open on the Ladies’ European Tour in July.
“Lottie’s aim is to be a professional golfer in due course. Her time at Florida State University runs until May 2026.”