The R&A Women in Golf Charter

A commitment to a more inclusive culture within golf

We, DDGC 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.

• Our aim is to increase the number of women and girls playing and working in golf.
• 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.
• 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.
• In signing this Charter, we DDGC 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
* Is a statement of intent from the golf industry and DDGC, to unite and to focus gender balance at all levels
* Commits us all to supporting measures to increase the number of women, girls and families playing golf
* Calls for positive action to encourage women to pursue careers in all areas of the sport
* Recognises the need for change that creates an inclusive environment within golf and our golf club

Signatories commit to activate this Charter by:
* Developing and implementing an internal strategy for enhancing gender balance at every level
* Establishing senior management responsibility and accountability for gender balance and inclusion, which is discussed and reviewed at committee/board level with DDGC
* Strongly advocating more women and girls playing and working in golf.
* Working with key stakeholders to develop and embed a more inclusive culture.
* Promoting the Charter and our goal of encouraging more women and girls to play golf and work in golf.

How we at DDGC Plan to achieve this
* Deliver an annual Spring initiative targeting women and girls incorporating key England Golf campaigns.
* Have a designated golf buddy within the Ladies section to support new members.
* Develop a range of golf and social activities to appeal to the Ladies’ membership.
* To continue to actively encourage female representation on our Central Management Committee and throughout all roles in the club.
* To become a SafeGolf accredited club ensuring policies and procedures remain up to date.
* Appoint a designated Charter Champion within the club who can assist with the promotion and reporting of the charter.

These objectives will be embedded into the club business plan and reviewed on an annual basis, to ensure that this inclusive commitment remains robust.