Call for clubs to join R&A’s Women in Golf Charter

ONE of the most successful, and important, initiatives in Australian golf in recent times has been the introduction of The R&A Women in Golf Charter.

It’s part of Australian golf’s broader approach to have more Australians, particularly women and girls, playing more golf in all its forms, and for those golfers to have welcoming and engaging golf experiences.

Launched in Australia in late 2021, the R&A Women in Golf Charter requires clubs and facilities who commit to the charter to provide an inclusive environment for all golfers.

We can no longer turn a blind eye to the perception in Australia that golf is largely a sport for rich, old, white men – often referred to as pale, male and stale.

Currently, there are 67 clubs across Australia already committed to the Charter with a further 21 clubs awaiting board endorsement and 241 expressions of interest, this program will be a game changer for our sport, with the path being paved for more women and girls to be involved in golf.

Fortunately, there are clubs, facilities, and members all across the country right now who have begun their own paths to changing our game, resulting in more women and girls being empowered to go play.

So, I guess many of you may be wondering, what exactly is The R&A and what is The R&A Women in Golf Charter?

Firstly, The R&A is the international governing body of golf, and they are fierce advocates for inclusivity in golf and for growing the game.

The R&A is dedicated to ensuring we have a thriving sport for all on a global scale, and has a deep-seated passion for ensuring golf’s on-going health.

This commitment, on the back of a mountain of research on the health of the game worldwide, led to the development and implementation of the Charter – specifically designed to encourage more women and girls to go play and also eventually enjoy successful careers in the sport both on and off the fairways.

At the Charter’s launch, Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, spoke of the pressing need for change.

“The Charter is a strong statement of intent from the golf industry that it has to change and a commitment on behalf of all of us to take measures designed to achieve positive change for women, girls and families. This is crucial to growing participation in the sport in the years ahead.”

Like The R&A, we see the huge opportunity that exists within all forms of golf to attract more women, girls, and families to the game and grow the sustainability and future of the sport.

We know that in order to do this, we must work together as golfers, members, clubs, facilities, and staff.

We must acknowledge the work that has been done for us get to this point, while also understanding that an enormous amount of work is still to be done.

“You don’t have to look far to see that the demand for golf is already increasing for women and girls across the country, with the biggest appetite being for off-course golf facilities such as driving ranges, mini golf and simulators.”

So, how do we do this, and how does The R&A Charter help us do this?

The Charter is specifically designed to:

• Strengthen the focus on gender balance and provide a united position in the golf industry;

• Commit national federations and organisations to support measures targeted at increasing the participation of women, girls, and families in golf;

• Call on signatories to take positive action to support the recruitment, retention, and progression of women working at all levels of the sport;

• Set individual targets for national federations for participation and membership and annual reporting of progress; and

• Develop an inclusive environment for women and girls with golf.

As part of Australian Golf’s commitment to The R&A Charter, we are encouraging all Australian clubs and facilities to become signatories and publicly commit to improving the sport for women and girls.

You don’t have to look far to see that the demand for golf is already increasing for women and girls across the country, with the biggest appetite being for off-course golf facilities such as driving ranges, mini golf and simulators.

Of the 1.2 million off-course golfers across the country, 516,000 are women so the message is clear; women and girls want to give golf a go and they want to do it in a safe, fun and engaging environment.

We know that the landscape of golf will continue to change and evolve so we need your help to elevate the game to new heights, attract a broader audience, and recognise the power and passion of women.

We’d love to see even more Australian clubs be part of the change and be part of the revolution in a sport that is helping more Australians to go play. 

If your club isn’t already a signatory to The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, first ask why not and please get the ball rolling.