Opening the Fairways for Everyone: Morwell Golf Club

In 2025, Morwell Golf Club took meaningful steps towards becoming a more inclusive and welcoming community space, opening its fairways to women, girls and families through a series of beginner-friendly programs supported by GippSport, Latrobe City Council and local volunteers.

As part of Gippy Girls Can Week, the club hosted a range of “Come and Try” sessions designed to make golf feel accessible, social and unintimidating for first-timers:

Women’s Golf
Junior Girls Golf (ages 12 to 16)
Junior Girls Golf (ages 6 to 11)

Each session focused on fun, confidence-building and connection, with club members and volunteers creating a relaxed environment where participants could learn the basics and enjoy being active together. For many, it was their very first time holding a golf club.

One young participant shared a particularly moving reason for attending:

“I came to this clinic to make my Pa, who passed away last week, proud. He was a member here.”
Participant, Gippy Girls Can Week

Her story reflected the heart of both Gippy Girls Can and Play Well Gippsland. Sport as a way to connect generations, honour loved ones and build a sense of belonging.

From first swings to lasting connections

What began as a one-off women’s clinic for around 20 participants quickly gained momentum. The positive energy, laughter and encouragement on the day showed just how powerful a welcoming environment can be.

“Everyone’s wanting to learn how to play golf, saw the opportunity and thought to give it a go. Loved the day and is looking forward to more opportunities.”
Participant, Women’s Golf Clinic

Building on this success, Morwell Golf Club has expanded its women’s Get Into Golf clinics, with new sessions running throughout October.

At the same time, the club continues to grow its junior programs for children aged 5 to 11. These regular clinics provide a gentle, fun introduction to golf, supported by parents and volunteers and focused on building confidence, friendships and fundamental skills.

“My kids loved it. They couldn’t stop talking about hitting the ball for the first time.”
Parent participant

Thanks to a recent grant, the club has also been able to purchase specially designed junior golf kits, removing equipment barriers and ensuring children can participate regardless of experience or access.

The Play Well Gippsland difference

Support through the Play Well Gippsland initiative helped the club turn good intentions into practical action. Workshops, resources and guidance from GippSport gave the club confidence to design programs that were safe, engaging and genuinely inclusive.

A bright future for women, juniors and the wider community

With ongoing junior clinics and more women’s sessions planned, Morwell Golf Club is laying strong foundations for long-term participation growth.

“Our goal is simple,” said a club representative. “We want women, juniors and families to have a place where they feel supported, can learn golf and be part of something special.”

By opening its fairways to everyone, Morwell Golf Club is showing how local sporting clubs can lead the way in creating welcoming, inclusive environments that strengthen communities through connection and movement.