As a professional golf journalist, I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jeremy Tomlinson, the chief executive of England Golf, to discuss the Respect in Golf campaign. Launched last year, the campaign aims to promote inclusivity within the sport and ensure that every golf club in the country is open to all, regardless of color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.
The main goal of Respect in Golf is to create a sense of respect among golfers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants. The campaign highlights the importance of treating others with care and equality, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
In a recent survey, it was found that a third of golfers had either witnessed or experienced discrimination on the golf course, with a staggering 71% of incidents going unreported. While these figures are alarming, they underscore the need for initiatives like Respect in Golf to address and combat discriminatory behavior within the sport.
Through a series of four mandatory terms of affiliation, including safeguarding, anti-doping, equality, diversity, and inclusion policies, and disciplinary procedures, England Golf is working with golf clubs to ensure that they adhere to these commitments. Already, close to 700 clubs have received accreditation, with another 800 working towards it.
Respect in Golf encourages clubs to uphold these policies and processes with integrity, renewing their accreditation annually to ensure ongoing compliance. While there is no desire to use punitive measures, clubs must take pride in upholding these standards and fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of England Golf’s efforts, with a focus on providing equal opportunities for membership and participation. The organization is working closely with clubs to examine their cultures, promote female membership, and create a more equitable environment for all golfers.
While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that golf remains a welcoming and inclusive sport for all participants. Through initiatives like Respect in Golf, England Golf is committed to promoting respect and equality within the sport, creating a more inclusive and diverse community of golfers.
