The ladies’ section at Cleeve Cloud Golf Club have got an important date next week.

They are holding an open day on Tuesday in a bid to attract new members.

There are 10 ladies at the club at the moment and captain Rita New said: “It would be wonderful if we could double that number.”

It is the first of three open days planned – the others are on 11th July and 8th August – and all three start at 6pm.

“We’re open to anyone,” said Rita, “whether they’ve played before or not. If they’ve played before we’ll take them out on the course and play a few holes.”

Although they are on the lookout for new players, Rita believes the fact that the ladies’ section at Cleeve Cloud is small is an advantage.

“It means that we all get to play in the matches,” she said. “It brings your game on very quickly and gives you experience.

“We play in the Severn Vale League, which was created for clubs with small ladies’ sections, as well as in county competitions and other events.”

The organised ladies’ playing days at the club are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Matches are played on Saturdays, roll-ups are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and competitions are on all three days.

They may be small but there are some good players at Cleeve Cloud.

“Barbara Smyth qualified to play in this year's England Golf Regional Medal Final which was held at Tehidy Park Golf Club in Cornwall,” said Rita.

“She came fifth which means she goes on to the National Final to be held at Woodbury Park in August.

“And one of our other members, Gillian Cowell, is chairman of the Gloucestershire Ladies’ County Golf Association.”

One of the more popular events at Cleeve Cloud is the Ladies’ Open.

Eight-four competitors from 19 different clubs attended this year’s event, with 80 completing the course in tough conditions.

It was a pairs betterball competition and the winning scores were very tight. Gaynor Moll and Jackie Bradley, from Forest of Dean, won with 39 points, narrowly beating Nicky Perrins and Jenny Poole, from Dymock Grange, on countback.

The nearest the pins were on holes six and 15, and were won by Gwen Knight, from Stinchcombe Hill, and Lynne Relph, from South Herefordshire. The longest drive on hole 12 was won by Jackie Fenn, from Rodway Hill GC.

So, what makes Cleeve Hill so attractive to golfers?

“It’s a fabulous place and a fabulous course,” said Rita. “It can be a bit unkind weather wise sometimes but we’re a tough lot. We love playing there.”

Anyone who wants more information about the club can ring Rita New on: 07811 531334.