"But we do have a lot of support for tackling the problem. As a start, the Government has identified golf among the ten sports it wants to encourage, part of the drive to get people into a healthier lifestyle. "I think it is true that golf does need to become more modern, yes, have less restrictions. It is expensive for some young people. "I am not saying it is too expensive but there are other sports young people can take up where the subscriptions are much less. "Perhaps it needs to be more welcoming, do more to encourage girls to reach their potential. "There are clubs where promising girls are not integrated to play with the ladies. So if there are just a couple of girls and they are not playing competitions they will lose interest. "In Sweden they do not have clubs with member-ships like here. All the courses are open to the public and families are encouraged to play. There are even clubs to borrow when you get there. The practice facilities are terrific. "Golf there is a family-run sport. Perhaps this is not for us in England but it is just another way of looking at things. "But the situation here is changing. Many clubs have abandoned the entrance fee totally so it becomes more accessible for people generally and young people in particular." She added: "I know of one of two young ladies, promising golfers, who to encourage their golf development are allowed to go out with the men in competition and so play off the back tees. This may not sound a major advance but it is part of the way we need to see things develop. "Visits are being made to schools in the hope of getting them to encourage youngsters to play golf. "Golf clubs around England hold 'come and try golf' sessions and this has happened at driving ranges and elsewhere. "The results have been really encouraging and many have come into the game, joined golf clubs as a result. "I think there are huge changes under way. "The situation is getting better although it will be a few years before you see the benefits coming through. "It is going to be a busy, challenging year but, yes, I am optimistic about the future for junior golf and for girls in golf." | 
