“Q and A” with Rowena Hemmings,
Hertfordshire Golf County Volunteer
Background
The role of County Volunteer is both beneficial to the person and the County, with well-known benefits for personal well-being.
There are so many different opportunities for a volunteer in Hertfordshire, from ball spotters and starters at events to team captains and board members with so much in between.
We sat down with Rowena Hemmings, our Golf Development Board member, to discuss her background in golf, interests and vision for the county plus the challenges / opportunities for all!
Sit back, relax, grab a coffee and enjoy our conversation ……
Interview
Interviewer
- How long have you been involved in golf and a volunteer in Hertfordshire?
I started my golf at Batchwood Hall, 35 years ago back in the days when you had to queue up on the 1st tee at first light. I am now a member at Porters Park, and have been there 30 years, with a handicap index now of 20, but have been as low as 9. Working as a volunteer in Hertfordshire… it must be 20 years and a board member for the last 6 years
Batchwood Hall, where Rowena started her golfing adventures.
- What is your role as a volunteer?
I started volunteering for Herts Golf Partnership which became the Herts Golf Development. I really was at the heart of the grass roots in golf. My main role is to encourage and get more women / girls into the game of golf. I also work and help facilitate golf with people who have special needs / disabilities such as Autism, Parkinsons and those recovering from Strokes. We also work with the Brownies across the county to introduce them to golf.
- In your role as Golf Development. What do you see as the major challenges for 2025
We really could do with more volunteers who could share their time. For example, we have an event that is limited to 24 people, and we could run this many times over, we just need more pairs of hands. The demand is there to bring more people into our game in Hertfordshire.
- What is your style as Team Manager?
My style is quite hands on, when overseeing the delivery of projects. Coming up with innovative ideas that will help grow the game
- What was the most enjoyable / rewarding event in 2024?
Last Year we had 1000 Brownies show an interest at our events, some attended the Justin Rose event at Brocket Hall. This is grass roots entry level for these kids to find their way into the game and we need volunteers to help us get them onto the pathway for golf and maybe into the clubs.
The Women in golf program has been very rewarding, with initiatives such as “Find the nearest Golf to me” guiding them to Academies and 9-hole courses. We had 5 of these events last year
- What are your next key commitments for the county?
We have a Christmas event for Golfers who have experienced Stroke’s, Parkinson’s & Dementia at Chesfield Downs on December 2nd. A most rewarding event for all concerned
Plus, continuing the work we have started, with the Brownies initiative. We have 2 years’ experience with very little help from outside the county, we have made some great strides with more contacts, and we hope the power of “word of mouth” will help us grow further, hence the need for more volunteers to assist
- Does it all go quiet now between now and April?
Not at all, we already have events planned in the run up to Christmas and in the New Year we have indoor events scheduled too.
- What in your view is Hertfordshire’s greatest strength?
We are fortunate to have a very enlightened board, that had the vision to hire a Development Officer, Matthew Crowhurst. As far as we know we are the only county to do so.
- If any, what challenges do we face? More Volunteers maybe? Participation? Club Membership retention?
All the above as we have so many development programs that could do with more volunteers to assist.
- Other than golf, what are your other great life passions?
I enjoy Yoga, going to the gym, currently learning Spanish.
- Who would be in your dream 4 Ball?
Charley Hull, Justin Rose and of course Rory would make up the 4
- Other than your home course, which course would you go back to and play again?
Valderama, I managed to play there before the Ryder Cup in 1997, wonderful place.
Rowena would love to return for a game at Valderama
- What is your choice of golf ball and why?
Pro V1, no question, but in the winter, Srixon’s are fine too
- What’s the longest iron in your bag?
5iron, like most golfers’ hybrids have taken over from the long irons
- How many wedges do you carry?
A traditional PW, SW and 52 degrees that sits in the middle
- When was the last time you took a lesson?
One month ago!
- What’s the last thing you watched on Netflix / Streamed
Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime and the Crown on Netflix
- Facebook / Twitter or Instagram?
Facebook is my platform of choice
- Kindle or the feel of a book?
I prefer the feeling of turning the physical page of a book.
Rowena generally prefers holidaying without her clubs and has visited the stunning Peru twice, visiting The Amazon, Machu Picchu and has come across Piranha fish
- And finally, what would be your message to someone considering Volunteering with the County?
Volunteering is so rewarding, it’s your opportunity to give something back to the game. You would be amazed at what a difference it could make to someone’s life and the enjoyment on their faces would make you want to do even more.
