The British are fanatical about golf: according to the British Golf Industry Association, we have more golf courses than any other country in Europe, 2,400 golf retail outlets and 818 driving ranges, yet perhaps a more startling statistic is that women now make up 11 per cent of all UK club golfers.

Alex Fernihough, of Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich, believes the archetypal male-dominated world of golf is slowly changing. "Women's golf is becoming increasingly popular and this is being reflected in membership numbers," he explains. "Women account for approximately 10 per cent of our membership, although non-members are also welcome to play. In response to increased interest our resident golf professional runs a ladies' - as well as a junior - golf academy for those wishing to learn or improve."

Yet women playing golf is no recent development. The Ladies Golf Union was founded in 1893 to advance and safeguard the interests of ladies' golf, and it's currently conducting research amongst the UK's 220,000 female golfers. Ongoing debate surrounds the inclusion (some would say invasion) of women in golf, and the research will cover whether the Government should legislate to make gender-based discrimination illegal in golf clubs.

Whilst this debate continues to rage, what about actually having a go at golf? Golf courses across the region are offering free coaching for beginners, a perfect taster session for women interested in trying. Alternatively you could book a lesson at your local club or - as I did - start with the very best.

As host to the Ryder Cup in 2014, I figured the Gleneagles Golf Academy could cope with an absolute beginner who didn't know a club from a clubhouse. At the driving range I was given an overview of the game and a demonstration using different golf clubs before learning a grip, and - it seems to me - it's all in the grip, ladies! I was somewhat fearful of letting go of the club once I had mastered this, but how else was I to put the ball on the tee?

After some surprisingly accurate swings came serious analysis, as four digital cameras recorded my every move from different angles. The video was played back to review my performance, and then modelled against that of a golf pro. My swing was then overlaid on to a camera still of Tiger Woods to compare angles of arm and iron. Less technical was swinging within a hoola-hoop to get the swing angle right! All in all it was a fascinating way to capture my attention and help me understand what I was doing right and wrong. The lesson concluded with me hitting the ball much greater distances on the driving range.

I enjoyed the experience far more than expected, but have yet to try again. Like many women with a family and a job, time is an all-important factor. A full round of golf takes approximately three-and-a-half-hours, yet at Gaudet Luce they have a par three, nine-hole course which can be completed in about 45 minutes, making it no more time-consuming than going for a swim.

Yet whether you play nine or 18 holes, the appeal of golf is wide-ranging. Anne Fern, a marketing manager, plays up to three times a week. She started playing in 1993 in order to spend more time with her husband. "It keeps me fit, it's sociable and is always a challenge," she explains. Anne began with six lessons and now has them intermittently, but focuses on one element of her game so that she continues to improve every time she plays.

Her advice on learning to play? "No matter how good you are, golf is ultimately about you taking on the course - just enjoy it!"

Pharmacist Elaine Webster started playing at 14 so that she could play with her father. "Have lessons before you start so that you don't get into any bad habits," explains Elaine, who has since taught her husband to play. "That's not so advisable - a bit like teaching a man how to drive!"

So whilst the gender battle may continue, golf is definitely a sport for all. Why not get into the swing?

For further information contact your local golf course or visit:

www.getintogolf.org www.pga.info