Eaton Golf Club’s Sally on national award trail

An inspirational figure for Eaton’s female golfers has been shortlisted for a top national award.

Described as “one in a million”, Sally Benton has been named as a finalist in the Women and Girls trailblazer category at the England Golf Awards in Manchester.

REMARKABLE IMPACT: Sally Benton has worked tirelessly on behalf of Eaton Golf’s club’s female members. Photo: EATON GOLF CLUB.

“We are so delighted she has been shortlisted and have our fingers crossed for April. She really is one in a million and without her many of us would have given up,” said Eaton GC Ladies secretary Siobhan Addison.

Sally has made a remarkable impact in her 16 years at Eaton Golf Club ladies section, holding positions of Captain, Vice Captain, Competitions Secretary and Charter Champion.

As a former PE teacher, she is aware of the positive impact of sport and club membership on women’s physical and mental health. Women tend to come to Eaton once career and family commitments have reduced and can lack confidence in their ability and golfing knowledge. Existing members can also start to falter as they age and become disillusioned.

With these factors in mind, Sally has made it her mission to promote and include women of all ages and abilities in golf at Eaton, offering unceasing encouragement, kindness and support to newcomers and members alike. Brimming with enthusiasm, drive and creativity, her efforts have resulted in success beyond all expectations.

Sally is also driven to honour the memory of her close friend and fellow Charter Champion, Lyndsey Hewison, who died in February 2024 on completing her captaincy year. Together they spearheaded the initiatives which Sally brought to life and she is tireless in her promotion of Lyndsey’s values of ‘Fun, Friendship and Great Golf’.

Sally introduced the Women in Golf Charter initiative in 2021. She organised a programme of support and activity for newcomers to golf, as well as existing members, driven by her passion for inclusion and retention. This led to the Eaton Academy programme with training from England Golf for volunteers who act as buddies for new members. From an initial group of six newcomers in 2021, Sally and her team now work with 41 in beginners groups, the Eaton Academy, or the new Twilight Membership category.

Throughout, she offers caring, personal advice and encouragement, supports new members to gain a handicap and to join in competitive golf, has sourced second-hand golfing equipment and clothing to get women started and has created a culture of fun and camaraderie which extends to the entire ladies section. Eaton GC is a very special place with an ethos of support and encouragement. There is a new Academy launch on Saturday, March 29 with Sally leading the team. Women who would like to consider joining as a beginner or moving from another club or perhaps restarting golf can contact eatonladies@gmail.com