Women Driving Change at Trafford Golf Centre

At one of the UK’s busiest golf practice facilities, women are shaping the future of the game.

From PGA coaching to club fitting, Trafford Golf Centre and American Golf Trafford are proud to be
home to a growing number of women making their mark and showing the next generation
that golf is a sport and an industry for everyone.

This September, the Manchester-based venue welcomes Erin Parker, a new PGA Assistant
who will begin her training to become a PGA fully qualified coach.

She joins Sophie Mullarkey, who is also undertaking her PGA qualifications. Together, they’re showing what’s possible for women in coaching and inspiring the next generation of golfers.

Erin said: “I’m so excited to be starting my PGA training at Trafford Golf Centre. It’s inspiring
to be part of such a supportive team and to know I’ll be learning alongside other female
coaches. My hope is that more girls and women see coaching as a real pathway into golf and
the golf industry.”

Sophie added: “When I first started playing golf, I didn’t see many women in coaching roles,
so it’s great to now be part of a team where that’s changing. Coaching here gives me the
chance to help golfers of all levels improve and enjoy the game, and I hope that encourages
more women and girls to give it a try too.”

The team extends beyond coaching. Amy Sarjantson works at American Golf’s flagship store
at Trafford Golf Centre and is a highly skilled club fitter. From analyzing swing speeds, shot
characteristics, and tailoring equipment, her role is key in helping golfers of all levels get the
best out of their equipment and their game.

Amy said: “It’s great to be part of a team where women are visible in so many roles. Golf has
changed a lot in recent years, and the more we can show different pathways into the
industry, the more inclusive it becomes.”

Alongside this, the centre’s operations team is also majority-female, reflecting Trafford Golf
Centre’s commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment. At American Golf,
sales of women’s products have grown from 6% to 12% over the past year, while the store
has hosted regular “Women & Golf” events, supported by industry ambassadors.

Pete Styles, Director of Golf at Trafford Golf Centre, said: “Golf has long struggled with the
perception that it’s a male-dominated sport, but our team tells a different story. From the
Clubhouse to the coaching bays, our female team members are playing a vital role in shaping
the customer experience and the future of the game. Representation matters. Erin, Sophie,
Amy, and our wider team are role models for the next generation of golfers and golf
professionals, showing that the sport is for everyone.”

With more than 500,000 visitors a year, Trafford Golf Centre is not only Europe’s busiest
driving range but also the UK’s premier golf academy. Its Academy delivered over 25,000

lessons last year, introducing thousands of new players to the game, including more than
80,000 people who picked up a golf club for the first time.

As the wider industry works to close participation and workforce gaps, Trafford Golf Centre
shows how change can be made locally, by ensuring women are supported and celebrated at
every level of the game.