Lucy Collins, a former Three Lions table football player, has honed her skills on the fairways of Oxford Golf Club.
Now, she is encouraging other women across the county to follow suit, citing health and social benefits and saying it gets her outside and experiencing new challenges.
Ms Collins travelled Europe as a table football player, representing her country at two European Championships.
The 53-year-old has since swapped goal nets for golf clubs, working on her swing at Oxford Golf Club in Cowley through its Ladies Academy.
She has lowered her handicap by 13 shots, passed the club’s Level 3 academy programme, and has become a full member alongside her husband, Nigel.
Ms Collins said: “My husband has always been a golf enthusiast, but table football was my passion.
“Playing for England was a huge privilege and not something everyone has the opportunity to do.
“Golf was rarely on my radar, but I took the plunge two years ago and haven’t looked back.
“Now I’m playing in competitions, testing myself on the greens twice each week and am on Oxford Ladies Golf Club’s committee.”
Women’s participation in golf tripled nationally following the pandemic, with more than 1.4 million female players taking to the course annually.
Ms Collins added: “It’s a great sport and I’d recommend anyone in search of a new challenge to give it a go.
“Besides learning a new skill, I’ve made a bunch of friends and it keeps me active – although I don’t think representing England on the golf course is on the cards just yet.”
The Ladies Academy at the Oxford Golf Club is broken down into three levels and works with first-time players through group training, practice range and putting sessions and invitations to club social events.
Ms Collins said the academy helped her to integrate into the club both on and off the course.
She said: “I was hesitant at first – just like when you take up any new hobby I suppose.
“But with the help of the club’s coaches and fellow members, my game has come on leaps and bounds.
“There’s a real emphasis on having fun while you learn which I found invaluable and aligns with the club’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
“We’re unbeaten in mixed team competitions this year which is a great achievement, but beyond results finding a new passion after table football has been really enjoyable.”