Staff WriterThe latest instalment of the National Women’s and Girls’ Golf Squads has been unveiled by England Golf, and the message is bold: retain tradition, sharpen ambition, and build for the future.
At the heart of this announcement lies a clear signal that England’s amateur women’s game is not standing still—it is evolving.
Three players have made the step up from the Girls’ squad into senior territory: Charlotte Naughton, Annabel Peaford and Elizabeth Wilson move into the Women’s squad for 2025/26.
Meanwhile, fresh talent joins the junior bracket as Mia Ingham, Daisy Lee and Ria Prabhakar are drafted into the Girls’ squad.
Coaching continuity is assured with Steve Robinson directing the Women’s National side and John Watson leading the Girls’ National squad into another season.
As Women’s Performance Manager Jenny Henderson put it: “I know I speak for the entire National Coaching Team when I say we are incredibly excited to work with this talented group of players as the new coaching year begins.
“A new season is a new opportunity — not just to lower scores, but to raise our standards. Every swing, every coaching session, every day, we aim to get a little bit better. This group of players already have some remarkable achievements to be proud of, but we’re not just about chasing trophies — we’re chasing potential.
“The work these players put in ahead of next season will define who they are when the pressure is on. Each player brings unique strengths, and we are looking forward to supporting them with opportunities to grow, compete, and achieve something special. The commitment and energy I’ve already seen gives me great confidence in what’s ahead.
“These squads include exclusively UK-based players. An announcement confirming overseas players will follow later in the coaching year.”
Women’s Squad Highlights
The Women’s section of the National Women’s and Girls’ Golf Squads is anchored by established performers, headed by Lily Hirst (Huddersfield, Yorkshire). Her résumé includes victory in the Match in the Desert 2025, aiding the University of Kansas to collegiate team success in the USA, helping England to the 2025 Women’s & Men’s Home Internationals and securing the 2024 English Women’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Stoneham. She also posted a tied-4th at the 2025 event at Alwoodley and enjoyed top-10 finishes in the USA and South America.
Newly added to the senior ranks: Charlotte Naughton—fresh from victory at the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in Canada and the 2025 German Girls’ International Amateur—Annabel Peaford and Elizabeth Wilson both bring strong form, international exposure and hunger to make their mark.
Girls’ Squad – Fresh Blood, Big Ambition
On the junior front, the National Women’s and Girls’ Golf Squads welcome Mia Ingham (Sunningdale, Surrey), Daisy Lee (Lancaster, Lancashire) and Ria Prabhakar (West Essex, Essex). Ingham boasts a top-5 finish at the 2025 English Girls’ Open Stroke Play, 3rd place at the Sir Henry Cooper Championships and victory in the 2025 Stephen Gallacher Foundation International (Spain). Lee was a key member of the England U16 side defeating Scotland in August 2025, while Prabhakar claimed the 2025 Scottish Girls’ U16 Championship and enjoyed podium finishes in various series events.
Looking Ahead
The selection of the National Women’s and Girls’ Golf Squads for 2025/26 signals a continuation of England Golf’s methodical pathway: promoting from within, rewarding achievement but refusing to rest on laurels.
With coaching stability and a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talent, the organisation is setting sights on international honours and domestic dominance.
For the players, the message is clear: stepping into these squads is only the beginning. What follows is a year of fine margins, relentless improvement and pressure-testing.
As Jenny Henderson emphasised, it’s “not just about chasing trophies — we’re chasing potential.” The schedule ahead will demand every bit of that potential to be realised.
Stay tuned for further announcements later in the coaching year regarding overseas-based players, as the squads continue to expand.
