Charlotte asks: What impact has The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter really had on the industry and female involvement in golf?
The Women in Golf Charter was launched by The R&A in 2018, with big promises to transform the landscape of the sport for females.
Now almost seven years on, what impact is it really having on participation and the wider industry?
In this article, I take a deep dive into what the Women in Golf Charter is and spotlight real case studies of the Charter in action.
What is the Women in Golf Charter?
The Women in Golf Charter is a global initiative aimed at increasing the number of women and girls playing and working in golf. It calls on clubs, organisations, and governing bodies to foster a culture that values women’s involvement in every aspect of the game.
Signatories of the Charter commit to the following five actions:
- Develop and implement an internal strategy for enhancing gender balance at every level
- Establish senior management responsibility and accountability for gender balance and inclusion
- Strongly advocate for more women and girls playing and working in golf
- Work with key stakeholders to develop and embed a more inclusive culture
- Promote the Charter and The R&A’s goal of encouraging more women and girls to play and work in golf
Signatories and accountability
The reach of the Charter is staggering; today, over 1,300 organisations across more than 75 countries have signed up. That includes golf clubs, governing bodies, equipment manufacturers, travel agents … the list goes.
That demonstrates a huge commitment globally to creating a more inclusive golfing environment, and it is seriously encouraging. But does that translate into action?
As part of the Charter, signatories are encouraged to define tangible actions that promote gender equality. This ensures the initiative goes beyond a tick-box exercise, driving meaningful change through actionable steps.
And to ensure accountability, many clubs and businesses appoint a Women in Golf Charter Champion to oversee the delivery of these promises.
Success stories from around the world
There are no two ways about it, the Charter has already begun to transform the golfing landscape across the world.
Key successes include:
Increasing female club membership:
- I recently spoke with Philippa Sneader, a member of the women’s committee at Dyrham Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire. Philippa, who is also an accomplished international gymnast and coach with numerous medals to her name, played a pivotal role in persuading her club to sign up to the Women in Golf Charter.
- Since then, she has worked tirelessly alongside other members to enhance development pathways for girls and women, driving female participation at the club. Under the Charter, the club also introduced a successful mentoring and buddy system, which has fostered a welcoming and supportive environment.
- These efforts have led to the growth of a vibrant junior academy with eight girls under the age of 10, a thriving women’s academy, and one significant milestone: Eight women from the academy have committed to full membership from July. Considering the women’s section currently has around 90 members, that’s a pretty substantial boost.
Improving pathways to leadership:
- An important aspect of the Charter is creating programmes and pathways that enable women to learn, grow and develop professionally within the golf industry.
- Now in its fifth year, The R&A’s Women in Golf Leadership programme equips women with the skills and confidence to take on senior roles within the golf industry. Nearly 200 women have graduated from the programme, further strengthening the leadership pipeline.
- As one of the first organisations to sign the Charter, Golf Canada launched the CP Women’s Leadership Summit. This event highlights women’s leadership, fosters networking, and showcases the value of inclusivity.
Breaking barriers:
- From Lucy Sellick becoming Wales' first female Head Greenkeeper to the increasing presence of women in golf management, the Charter has sparked significant cultural shifts.
- Clubs that have adopted its principles report increased female membership, greater diversity, and a stronger sense of community.
Addressing gender imbalances:
- Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA): ASTMA is actively working to address the gender imbalance in turf management, a traditionally male-dominated field.
- They’re developing a Women in Sports Turf Management programme and collaborating with schools and training providers to attract more women to the profession. These initiatives aim to ensure a more diverse future for the industry
Greater inclusivity:
- EDGA has focused on increasing opportunities for women with disabilities. They have implemented awareness campaigns, introduced female ambassadors, and ensured gender equality in their rankings. By promoting women in leadership roles and featuring more female stories, EDGA is paving the way for greater inclusivity
What’s next for the Women in Golf Charter?
To be honest, I don’t think we’ve really seen the full impact of the Women in Golf Charter yet. But the success stories we’ve seen globally certainly serve as a testament to what it can achieve.
So with the journey far from over, I’d love to see a clear focus on the following to maintain and accelerate progress:
1. Monitoring, reviewing, and adjusting plans: This isn’t a one-off pledge, growth is vital.
2. Holding clubs accountable: Accountability has been a cornerstone of the Charter’s success, and it must remain so. Clubs and organisations should continue to be transparent about their progress.
3. Amplifying the Impact: The stories of success and transformation sparked by the Charter need to be celebrated and shared to inspire others to join the movement.