What do Zoe Ball, Ulrika Jonsson and Celine Dion have in common with Chris Evans, Robbie Williams, Sean Connery, Henry Cooper and Glenn Hoddle? Fame, yes, but there's more. They're all into golf. The game that was once the exclusive male domain has become a trendy and essential leisure past-time for women, regardless of age or status. Special women's mornings, beginner lessons and coaching are now available to encourage more women to take up the sport. KATHERINE MacALISTER went to Waterstock Golf Club's ladies' morning to find out what it's all about...

Golf is the other woman in my life. Every Sunday 'im indoors disappears off muttering about putting and birdies. It's hard to compete with a bag of old clubs, so I decided if you can't beat them, join them.

I have always found golf courses rather intimidating places, full of men wearing checked trousers and funny shoes. It's their traditional escape route, a sort of gentlemen's club, where dirty jokes and sexism rule.

Apparently my perspective is distinctly warped, and times are definitely changing. So, ladies' morning it was and I turned up at Waterstock Golf Course, near the new M40 service station, vaguely apprehensive but willing to give Tiger Woods a run for his money.

Luckily the dozen other women there also had big L-plates on, and head professional Julian Goodman, 35, was there to teach us the ropes along with trainee Paul Bryant.

We were herded off to the driving range where they spent time coaching each of us.

Golf is very frustrating. Unlike other sports which involve energy and speed golf is all about concentration and how you hit the ball.

So there's no point going on to the green until you have perfected your swing and learnt the basics.

The grip is all important, as is how far apart you place your feet and the exact angle of the club on the ball.

I have to say there is nothing more pleasing than connecting with the ball and seeing it disappear in a long, high, curve into the distance. On the other hand, there is nothing more frustrating than swinging hard, looking into the distance hopefully and then realising that the ball hasn't moved. You can just imagine the sniggers in the clubhouse. But perseverance and patience seem to be the name of the game. I am low on both and soon tired of it.

It's like learning to dribble but never being allowed to play football.

Besides there's no competition. On the course at least you have to get your ball in the hole before everyone else (that's as exciting as it gets).

But when Julian thinks you're ready you're allowed out into the big wide world of the golf course.

And of course you can have group coaching or private lessons if you are champing at the bit.

Julian, Captain of Berks/Bucks and Oxon Golfing Alliance and numerous other golfing accolades, said there were more female players now than ever before. Half of his coaching is taken up by women.

"When women start they are the same as the men. Golf is a very self-conscious game but within eight lessons you will be hitting the ball well. I have only taught two people in seven years who couldn't pick it up. One was a nuclear physicist," he remem- bered. "And women can play with their partners. Men may be stronger but women are often more accurate."

And the verdict of my fellow players: Sylvia Oliver, 52, of Chalgrove, a self-employed physicist, said: "I need to get out and mix with other people as well as getting some exercise, so this is ideal."

Cynthia Jackson, 57, from Thame, had always scorned the idea of playing golf: 'I hated everything about it, without actually trying it out. So, I decided to have a go and now quite like it."

Joan Owen, 64, from High Wycombe, said she regretted suggesting her husband take up golf because he has become obsessive about it. She, on the other hand, wants to learn for fun and companionship. A way of relaxing and exercise, an adventure.

CLUB'S TOP JOB GOES TO SHELLEY

Shelley John was made director of golf at Witney Lakes golf course in November. She has made it to the top in a man's world and is proud of her achievement.

The golf bug bit her six years ago when she began playing with a boyfriend. She was soon playing every night after work, every weekend and on her day off. Eventually, she quit her job as a secretary and went to work at Lyneham Golf Club down the road. Since then she has gone from strength to strength.

The 33-year-old has a handicap of 10 (women's start at 45) and still plays as often as possible.

She is also an expert on female golf fashion because she has to wear golf clothes day-in day-out.

"No female golfer wants to wear what her friends are wearing on the golf course. But at the moment the choice is still limited because although the sport is taking off for women, not many designers have caught on yet," she said.

But the shop at Witney Lakes provides a variety of trendy women's wear.

WHERE TO PLAY

*Banbury Golf Club: Professional woman coach, female member recruitment drive.

*Drayton Park Golf Course: mixed beginner classes

*Hinksey Heights Course - for all the family

*North Oxford Golf Club: long running ladies day

*Oxford Golf Centre: started up a ladies afternoon, but stopped due to lack of interest

*Oxfordshire Golf Club: Ladies Day on Tuesday

*Rye Hill Golf Course: women's courses in summer

*Southfield Golf Club: Thursday Ladies Day

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.