The R&A Women in Golf Charter
A commitment to a more inclusive culture within golf
We, The Royal Epping Forest Golf Club (REFGC), call on everyone involved in golf to play their part in developing a culture that values women’s involvement in every aspect of the sport, from participating to pursuing a career.
Ø Our aim is to increase the number of women and girls playing and working in golf.
Ø To achieve this goal and to enable women to flourish throughout golf, we recognise the need for a fundamental shift in culture. There is a clear ethical need for change and the potential economic benefits of growing the sport through more women and girls playing are substantial.
Ø The R&A commits to playing a leading role in this process and to working with affiliates, partners and the wider golf industry towards achieving this goal.
Ø In signing this Charter, we at REFGC commit to making tangible efforts to develop a welcoming and inspiring environment for women. We will do more to attract women into golf, to remain, and to have rewarding careers.
The Charter:
Ø Is a statement of intent from the golf industry and REFGC, to unite and to focus gender balance at all levels
Ø Commits us all to supporting measures to increase the number of women, girls and families playing golf
Ø Calls for positive action to encourage women to pursue careers in all areas of the sport
Ø Recognises the need for change that creates an inclusive environment within golf and our golf club
Signatories commit to activate this Charter by:
Ø Developing and implementing an internal strategy for enhancing gender balance at every level
Ø Establishing senior management responsibility and accountability for gender balance and inclusion, which is discussed and reviewed at the REFGC Management Committee
Ø Strongly advocating more women and girls playing and working in golf.
Ø Working with key stakeholders to develop and embed a more inclusive culture.
Ø Promoting the Charter and our goal of encouraging more women and girls to play golf and work in golf.
How we at REFGC Plan to achieve this
Ø We have achieved and commit to maintain a minimum of 30% female representation on our Management Committee / Board by actively promoting positions linked to appropriate role descriptions that are not gender specific
Ø To achieve an increase in actively playing members of the Ladies Section
Ø Formally promote inclusion to the wider community via the club website, social media accounts and local community groups
Ø To become a SafeGolf accredited club and ensure policies and procedures remain up to date
Ø Appoint a designated Charter Champion within the club who can assist with the promotion and reporting of the charter
Ø Have a network of golf buddies within the club who can assist and support new members
