Golf Club Pays Tribute to Two Trailblazers

Golf Club Pays Tribute to Two Trailblazers

Game Changers in women’s golf celebrated for 50-years leadership 

Golf pioneers Valerie Leicht and Wendy Prideaux have been honoured as part of the WORSHIPP Campaign by their Bardwell Valley Golf Club in southern Sydney. 

The club joined the Campaign by celebrating the invaluable contributions Valerie, 94, (left) and Wendy, 80, (right) have made to women’s golf, inclusion, equality and fund raising with room dedications in its clubhouse.

Valerie has been a member for more than 50 years, the longest serving female member in the club’s history, plus she’s served on the Women’s Committee for 40 years and is the reigning vice-president. Fifty years ago, Australia had only one nationally-known female golfer, Jan Stephenson, who was winning majors and LPGA tour events.  

Wendy was the first woman appointed to the club’s board, has served on the Women’s Committee for 39 years, spent 14 years as ladies captain and more than a decade as ladies president.

When current Bardwell Valley Ladies Captain Kay Vickers learned about the WORSHIPP Campaign she immediately knew room dedications with commemorative plaques would be the perfect tribute to recognise the many years of leadership, team building, energy and selfless labour from Wendy and Valerie. 

“We need to cherish the great work of these two amazing ladies over so many years, and WORSHIPP champions the often over-looked contributions of women,” Kay said. “We’re excited to join the Campaign.”

Wendy, who has been a member at the club for 41 years, said she and Valerie felt privileged to be formally recognised by the club they’ve invested so much time and energy into.

“My husband Graham and I are so lucky to be involved with this club,” Wendy said after being presented with the plaque honoring her long service.

“I feel overwhelmed by the accolades and I’m extremely happy to be part of the WORSHIPP campaign.”

Valerie said she had also enjoyed great friendship at the club, especially after the death of her husband Peter who was also a dedicated member at Bardwell Valley for many years.

“It’s a wonderful club and this is a great honour. I am so happy,” she said. “Wendy and I have made a great team as president and vice-president. I just do whatever she tells me.”

Together the two pioneers also host the Bardwell Valley Golf Club charity day each May and this year raised $10,000 for the Bayside Women’s Shelter. Wendy also hosts the Wendy Prideaux Perpetual Trophy in June.

The “Valley” opened in 1964 as a nine-hole course, expanding to 12 holes and reaching 18 holes in 1978, by which time both Valerie and Peter were members. Wendy joined a few years later in the early 1980s.

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