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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:

In signing this charter Stratford Oaks Golf Club commits to enhancing its welcoming and inspiring environment for women.

It is our statement of intent to concentrate on gender balance at all levels.

  • We want to do even more to attract women into golf, to remain as active players, and to have rewarding careers in the sport.
  • We want to support measures to increase the number of women, girls and families playing golf.
  • We call for positive action to encourage women to pursue careers in all areas of the sport.
  • We recognise the need for changes that create an inclusive environment which properly caters for women and men golfers within golf and our golf club.

SIGNATORIES COMMIT TO ACTIVATE THIS CHARTER BY:

  • Implementing an internal strategy (set out in the Appendix) for enhancing gender balance at every level.
  • Requiring the Chairman of the Board and General Manager to take responsibility and accountability for gender balance and inclusion, which will be reviewed at Board level at least once a year.
  • Strongly advocating in support of 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 PLAN TO ACHIEVE THIS

  • Increase the number of women golfers in absolute and percentage terms by promoting inclusion within the wider community.
  • Ensure women are involved in the highest level of running the club, aiming for at least 1/3 of the elected members of the Board to be women.
  • Aiming for a gender balance in all areas of the Club’s management and administration.
  • Providing a welcoming environment for women new to golf and/or new to the club.
  • Providing a supportive environment for women golfers of all abilities, and to aid their integration into the Ladies’ Section and golf development.
  • Maintaining an environment in which women feel safe.
  • Promote mixed golf.
  • Provide opportunities for women to feel confident and knowledgeable about their golf.
  • Provide a programme of social activities to encourage women golfers of all abilities and ages to integrate off-course.
  • Keep women golfers well informed of all golfing and social opportunities.
  • Measure the impact of our actions to implement the Charter.
  • Appointing one of the Board Members to be a joint ‘Charter Champion’ together with a nominee from the Ladies’ Committee to promote this Charter.
  • Deliver a minimum number of 4 initiatives each year targeting women/girls and families that are aligned with key England Golf campaigns.

TO SEE THE STRATFORD OAKS GOLF CLUB OBJECTIVES AND ACTION PLAN PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK

Agreed on behalf of Stratford Oaks Golf Club:

Chairman of the Board

Board Member Charter Champion

Ladies’ Section Captain

General Manager

Ladies’ Section Charter Champion

Men’s Section Captain

November 9th 2020