ABOUT IWLGA

FOUNDED 1897

Founded in 1897, the Isle of Wight Ladies’ Golf Association (IWLGA) is one of the oldest women’s golfing organisations in the UK. It was created by 35 determined lady golfers from Bembridge, Freshwater and the Needles clubs who met in Ryde to establish an annual Championship and strengthen competitive ladies’ golf across the Island.

From those early days—when players travelled by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or multiple railway lines just to take part—the IWLGA has grown into a thriving organisation supporting hundreds of Island golfers.

OUR HERITAGE

The first Isle of Wight Ladies’ Championship was played in April 1897, with a silver trophy modeled on the historic Fairfax Cup.
Throughout the early 1900s the Championship rotated across notable Island courses including Bembridge, Freshwater, the Royal Isle of Wight GC and Shanklin & Sandown.
Despite two World Wars halting play, the Association always reformed—most notably in 1952, ensuring the continuation of ladies’ golf traditions on the Isle of Wight.
Over the decades, new fixtures were added including the Foursomes League (1957), Veterans’ competitions, Summer and Spring Meetings, and Island-wide matchplay events.

GROWING ISLAND GOLF

Today, the IWLGA continues its mission to promote, organise and develop ladies’ golf across all Island clubs by:

Running a full calendar of competitive and social events for all handicap levels.
Bringing together eight Island clubs in a spirit of friendship and shared sporting values.
Supporting County participation, with several Island players representing Hampshire Ladies’ Golf Association over many years.
Encouraging juniors, veterans, and higher-handicap golfers through inclusive formats and dedicated trophies.

SUCCESS BEYOND THE ISLAND

The IWLGA has proudly supported Island teams in many NatWest Island Games, earning medals in Jersey, Åland, Shetland, Guernsey, Rhodes and Gotland. The standout year was 2011, when the Isle of Wight—hosting the Games—won Team Gold, plus individual Silver and Bronze medals.

Island golfers have also shone in County competitions, including multiple wins in:

Hampshire’s Knight Cup
County Foursomes
Hampshire Seniors’ events
And regular appearances in County Match Weeks

OUR COMMUNITY

For over 125 years the IWLGA has:

Celebrated the contributions of dedicated volunteers, Presidents, Captains, and long-serving members.
Preserved a unique collection of trophies, traditions and competitive records.
Encouraged friendship and camaraderie between golfers from every Island club.
Built a welcoming environment for women of all ages to enjoy golf at every level.

The Association remains committed to honouring its heritage while continuing to grow the future of ladies’ golf on the Isle of Wight.

IWLGA
HISTORICAL
TIMELINE
1897 - TODAY

DOWNLOAD FULL HISTORY HERE

1897 | FOUNDED

35 Island lady golfers meet in Ryde and create the Isle of Wight Ladies’ Golf Championship (later IWLGA). First Championship held at Bembridge. Trophy modeled on the Fairfax Cup.

1898 - 1914 | EARLY GROWTH

Championship rotates across Bembridge, Freshwater, The Needles and the Royal IOW Golf Club. Entries grow; new handicap and matchplay formats added.

1914 - 1922 | WWI WARTIME PAUSE

Championship suspended during WWI.

1923 | IWLGA REFORMS

Championship restarted at the Needles golf course. New rules, committee structure and annual events introduced.

1930s | EXPANDING COMPETITIONS

New Divisions, vouchers/prizes introduced, and growing participation.

1939 | WWII WARTIME PAUSE

Final pre-war Championship held at Royal IOW GC.

1952 - IWLGA REBORN AGAIN

IWLGA formally re-established after WWII with newly found Championship trophy. Silver & Bronze Divisions created.

1957 | DIAMOND JUBILEE

Name officially changed to Isle of Wight Ladies’ Golf Association. Foursomes League introduced.

1960s | NEW EVENTS & GROWTH

Veterans’ Cup, Summer & Spring Meetings added. Membership exceeds 120+.

1970s | MODERN RULES & STRUCTURE

Stableford, Foursomes and Championship formats modernised. Subscriptions standardised, seedings introduced, and procedures formalised.

1980s | COUNTY SUCCESS & NEW TROPHIES

Dinham Salvers introduced. New rose bowls and scratch events added. Island golfers perform strongly in Hampshire Championships.

1990s | CENTENARY ERA

1994–1997: New trophies, website beginnings, club improvements.

1997: 100-year Centenary Lunch & first Centenary Eclectic.

Island team wins Silver Medal at the Jersey Island Games.

2000s | ISLAND GAMES SUCCESS

Multiple medals at Island Games (Jersey, Guernsey, Shetland, Åland). Technological upgrades; increased junior & senior representation.

2010 | WESTRIDGE JOINS THE IWLGA

Becomes a host club, League participant, and future IWLGA captaincy holder.

2011 | HOME GAMES TRIUMPH

Isle of Wight hosts the NatWest Island Games. Team Gold, plus Individual Silver & Bronze in the Ladies’ golf.

2013-2015 | COUNTY & ISLAND SUCCESS

Cowes wins the Hampshire Knight Cup. Island team wins Silver in Bermuda Island Games. Margaret Clark becomes Hampshire County Captain, leading Hampshire to national victory.

2017 | A NEW ERA

Team Silver at the Gotland Island Games. Shanklin & Sandown hosts the Hampshire Senior Championship. Sammi Keen selected for Hampshire 1st Team squad at County Finals.