BRACKEN Ghyll member Gail Smith shot a hole in one at The Oaks Golf Club near York while playing for the Ladies A team.

Striking a crisp short iron over the front bunker on the fourth hole, a par three, she was delighted when she and her playing partner arrived at the hole to see the ball resting between the flag and the hole. She just needed to ease the flag away to watch the ball drop.

Gail was tempted to take the game up seriously about seven years ago and joined Bracken Ghyll where her husband Kevin is also a member.

She has a handicap of 16 which just proves that taking the game up later in life need not be a barrier to achieving a good playing standard.

Several of her friends took up golf at about the same time and they also enjoy playing in Open competitions at other clubs, and having golfing weekends and holidays away, both in the UK and abroad.

Gail, who has always enjoyed sport, particularly tennis, recommends that golf maybe something girls and ladies of all ages should consider trying.

Bracken Ghyll, based in Addingham, has a range of memberships available to suit all ages and budgets.