Gender equality on the golf course

New guidelines for Australian golf clubs are being rolled out today in a bid to stop sex discrimination and increase female participation, which has been sliding over the past 50 years.

Golf Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission found that while clubs offer women and girls opportunities to play and compete, frequently men were given greater opportunities purely because of their gender.

The Guidelines for the promotion of equal opportunity for women and girls in golf – which is being launched in Melbourne today – are designed to help clubs attract women and girls to the game. The Guidelines also provide clear information about what discrimination is and practical tools to guide clubs on fair play.

“This is an opportunity for clubs to revisit their policies and practices to make sure they are not only complying with the Sex Discrimination Act, but meeting reasonable community and legal expectations of equality and fairness,” said Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins.

“In some cases for example, women and girls are only able to access the course during limited time slots and can’t book their games as far in advance as men and boys. This raises questions about discrimination on the basis of sex.

“I am proud of the Guidelines that we are releasing today and commend Golf Australia for taking this welcome stance in delivering a fair game,” said Commissioner Jenkins.

Golf Australia CEO, Stephen Pitt is encouraging the 1,500 golf clubs around the country to take a stand.

“Everyone who loves our sport should be excited about this latest step we are making with the Commission to deliver a friendly experience for all golfers, regardless of their sex,” said Mr Pitt.

”Empowering Australian golf clubs to ensure they meet their legal obligations and are gender inclusive is a hallmark of Golf Australia’s ‘Vision 2025: The Future of Women & Girls in Golf’ strategy. Consequently, supporting clubs to follow the guidance of the Commission will help to further develop the inclusive nature of our sport,” he said.

The Guidelines for the promotion of equal opportunity for women and girls in golf can be found here.

LAUNCH DETAILS

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

1230pm for 1pm start

Mt Derrimut Golf Club, 475 Mt Derrimut Rd, Derrimut VIC 3030

Media contact for Commissioner Jenkins

Marie-Claire Muir 0408 984 877

Media contact for Golf Australia

Mark Hayes 0404 044 758