Are Golf Clubs in Europe Sexist?

It's well known that, especially in England, golf clubs are steeped in tradition. But in some cases, that tradition has had to haul itself into the modern world if rather reluctantly.

Sexist

Some believe golf clubs can be exclusive and snooty, but it will come as a great surprise to many Americans that they can also be sexist. One club in north Dublin, Ireland, had its drinks license suspended for refusing to allow women as members.

Losing Out

It seems crazy that in the UK where they even had a female Prime Minister - Margaret Thatcher - that such injustices still continue. It is archaic to think women golfers shouldn't be allowed in men only golf clubs. As well as being denied the game, by banning women they are losing out on the social benefits and even economic benefits that arise from the networking opportunities which come with membership.

Damaging

Meanwhile, another one of Britain's golf clubs in Kent controversially said that golf clubs that are men only should still be able to host high profile tournaments, such as the Open Championship. But such negative publicity can only be damaging for the golf clubs in question and even damaging to the sport itself.

Golf clubs

As of 2007, golf clubs that ban women from their bars or restrict the times they can play the game will be violating EU law. These practices are being outlawed by a new sex discrimination directive, which disallows discrimination on goods and services including golf clubs.

Equal Opportunities

A UK woman, Clare Oliver, petitioned for the law after complaining that women had unequal treatment playing in tournaments or standing for election on committees.

Organisations like the English Ladies Golf Association believe it is about time women had equal opportunities in the game and in all golf clubs. Such discrimination such as being refused access to the bar is seen as laughable to many young women golfers from younger generations who are used to equal opportunities in their every day lives.

Single Sex

Despite the fact EU countries have until December 2007 to enact the law, single-sex golf clubs are still allowed. To ban single-sex golf clubs would be seen as an affront to the rights of freedom of expression.

Success

Many women golfers celebrate the new legislation and hope that the sexism in the game will soon be a thing of the past.

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