Gateley Grants score a hole in one with new funding support for female golfers

We have awarded the first of our education grants to support the development of female golfers on the 2019 Ladies European Tour (LET).

The grants aim to build on the LET’s LEARN element of the tour’s development strategy, to encourage members to undertake qualifications outside of their training to help with what is known in the sport as ‘identify foreclosure’ and to prepare players for a smooth transition to a second career when their time as a professional athlete comes to an end.

Gateley Plc, which has been named as the Official Development Partner for LET, will provide a series of grants for LET members to apply for in order to cover the costs of course fees, exam fees and associated materials.

Players Emma Goddard from Liverpool and Leigh Whittaker from Germany, were the first to receive a grant of £500 each from Gateley earlier this year.

Emma, who joined the Tour in 2015 and achieved her maiden win on the LET’s Access Series in 2017 at the Riberia Sacra Patrimonio de la Huamidad International Ladies Open, applied for the grant to support her in obtaining an ASQ Level 5 Diploma in Golf Club Management through the Golf Club Manager’s Association.

Commenting on her recent award win, Emma said: “At some point in the future, I would like to be a Director of Golf and I feel the time is right for me to start working towards that goal. The Gateley grant will help me to gain the qualification and give me the knowledge I need.”

Leigh said: “Having enjoyed five years on the LET, I now want to qualify as a PGA coach and would like to undertake additional training to enhance my communication skills. The Gateley Grant will enable me to attend a special course that will give me a much deeper understanding of how to communicate effectively.”

Gateley Plc’s Head of Sport & Media, partner John Burns said: “I’m thrilled that we have been able to play a small part in these two talented athletes’ development and support more women looking to develop their careers in this area.

“As a lawyer specialising in the commercial side of sport, I’m well aware that what we see on the green is only half of the story and that a great deal of work takes place behind the scenes to encourage a player’s growth both personally and professionally.

“I hope that the Gateley Grants will go some way to helping even more gifted sports professionals to achieve their goals.”

Gateley Plc’s sports lawyers handle some of the biggest deals in sport, including sponsorship agreements, merchandising agreements and stadium construction projects. Gateley recently hosted the UK Sports Law competition which saw law students from a variety of UK universities taking part.

Full details of the Gateley Grants scheme for 2019 LET’s members can be found on the LET’s website, along with all qualifying criteria.