Gel Dimaculangan is a fashion professional from the Philippines, now based in London. She discovered golf as a way to relax and connect with other women, using iGolf to track her progress along the way.
Never Too Late
My name is Gel Dimaculangan, and I am 35 years old. I am originally from the Philippines but now live in London, where I work in fashion.
What started as a one-time curiosity about golf soon became my go-to way to unwind from life’s stresses. Golf has taught me it is never too late to learn something new, and that being a beginner can be fun!
I always enjoy meeting other women golfers. I have met many friends through Skratch, a golf group for women in London that hosts events and lessons to help us grow as golfers.
I came across the group while searching online for female-friendly golf lessons in London. What I love is that the women I met through Skratch come from all sorts of backgrounds and work in totally different industries. We all found our way into golf in different ways, which makes it even more fun and relatable.
One memory that stands out is when we played at Pyrford Lakes. That course was tough because there were so many water hazards! We lost a ridiculous number of balls, but it was a good laugh.
Skratching The Surface
During my Skratch lessons, we were encouraged to use iGolf to enter our scores and get a handicap, without needing to join a golf club. I love how the platform tracks progress over time, showing how your handicap improves as you play more rounds.
With iGolf, we start the scorecard at the beginning of each round, add scores hole by hole, then submit them with a fellow player attesting. My current handicap is 35.8, so there is plenty of room to grow!
Plus, since you need to play with someone who has an MyEG account, it naturally helps you meet and connect with more female golfers.
Golf Is For Everyone
Being a woman in golf can feel intimidating, whether you are the only woman on the driving range or the only woman’s group on the course. If you are a woman thinking about getting into golf, my advice is to join a women’s golf group. It helps take away the intimidation of learning a new sport.
It is also rewarding to be part of a sport that is becoming more welcoming to women and breaking stereotypes. I am passionate about challenging the conception that female golfers are slow or less skilled. Golf should be inclusive, no matter your gender or ability.