Every golf club in England has officially stated that “discrimination is not acceptable”, according to England Golf, after it brought in a new programme.
The body has confirmed that all 1735 golf clubs and 60 county unions affiliated to it have achieved a ‘Respect in Golf’ status.This means they have implemented, reviewed or renewed an equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) policy.
Respect in Golf was introduced in 2023 with the aim of ‘inspiring golf to become more inclusive’.
England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson stated: “Our England Golf support team have worked tirelessly to support clubs and counties across the country in 2024 to become Respect in Golf accredited.
“Respect in Golf runs through everything we do on a daily basis, so it’s a huge achievement for our sport to have all clubs and counties in agreement and on board with what we are collectively trying to achieve.
“We have made, and continue to make, great strides in not only increasing participation throughout underrepresented groups, but also addressing and changing long-held perceptions of golf.
“By continuing to educate people about Respect in Golf and working alongside our fellow home nations, industry partners and affiliated clubs, we remain committed to driving the message that there is no place for any form of discrimination in golf. Golf belongs to everyone and all who play, and all who aspire to play, must have an equal opportunity to do so.
“We embrace our responsibility to inspire the most welcoming environment for all to enjoy our sport, and our role to prioritise that the safety and integrity of all in our sport is protected.”
England Golf has also said it has prioritised facility affiliation support in 2024, to work with facilities including driving ranges, simulators and adventure golf courses. Over 80 have affiliated so far, and the England Golf support team is working with them to proactively attract more people into playing golf, while assisting with promotion, ED&I and safeguarding.
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