FOR the first time in its 106-year history, Settle Golf Club has a woman on its elected committee.

Sue Johnson, a resident of Hellifield, has broken the mould of the sport, long associated as being dominated by men, and will be right up there when tough decisions are being made.

"Mrs Johnson is a long-standing member of the club and has been actively involved for some time. She is a welcome member of the committee," said men's captain, John Holliday.

The club was formed in 1895 and designed by the brother of the British Open Champion Harry Vardon.

In those days membership was one guinea a year - a veritable fortune then and equivalent to a paltry £1.05 in today's money. Today membership is £200 for the nine hole course, comparatively modest.

However, the new equality status means ladies have to pay the same as the men before they can so much as tee off.

The nine-hole course at Settle has recently been revamped and boasts five new holes. The greens are expertly kept by 21-year-old James Wright.

"We really want to promote the junior side and encourage more local youngsters to join," ex-plained Mr Holliday."However, we find that the majority of the juniors are connected to Giggleswick School and outside term time the numbers dwindle."

To this end the committee is offering free lessons to any youngster who wants to go along and see if they want to take up the sport. The golf club will provide all the necessary equipment.