Women in Golf Charter
A commitment to a more inclusive culture within golf
Stratford Oaks opened in 1993, and the Club has always had equal membership status for men and women. We are known as a ‘friendly club’ and the Ladies’ Section is no exception, maintaining a long list of members willing to play with new golfers and those who are not yet ready for competitions. The Ladies’ Section also runs a mentoring programme. Cliques are avoided as the Ladies sign up for competitions and are allocated partners according to competition and ability, allowing new playing members to meet a large number of their fellow golfers across the handicap range within a short timeframe. Working ladies are also catered for as they are able to play qualifying competitions either on the Main Day or on an Alternate Day at the weekend. We have an active Mixed Section which meets every Friday evening, as well as organising competitions and friendly matches with other clubs. It is not surprising that ‘The Oaks’ wishes to demonstrate its commitment to the R & A Women in Golf Charter. We at Stratford Oaks 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 throughout the golfing industry. There is a clear and ethical need for change and the potential economic benefits of growing the sport through more women and girls playing are substantial. We will work with our partners to achieve this goal.
The Charter:
- Is a statement of intent from the golf industry and Stratford Oaks GC, 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 Stratford Oaks GC
- 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 Stratford Oaks GC plan to achieve this
1. Deliver a minimum number of four initiatives each year targeting women/girls and families that are aligned with key England Golf campaigns
2.Promote a membership pathway, for women/girls and families to progress within the club
3. Have designated Champions/Mentors within the club who can assist and support new participants and members
4. To achieving diverse representation on the Board by actively promoting the positions available. Stratford Oaks GC has worked and continues to work with EG on governance of the club.
5. To meet England Golf’s terms of affiliation.
6. We have a Charter Champion within the club who can assist with the promotion and reporting of the charter.
TO SEE THE STRATFORD OAKS GOLF CLUB OBJECTIVES AND ACTION PLAN PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK
Signed on Behalf of Stratford Oaks GC:
Agreed on behalf of Stratford Oaks Golf Club:
Chairman of the Board
Board Member Charter Champion
Ladies’ Section Captain
Club Manager
Ladies’ Section Charter Champion
Men’s Section Captain
April 2025
