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Original poster

Is it legal for a golf club to say women can’t play until after 2:30?

52 replies

TheNightof1000Fans · 26/07/2019 22:45

I’m sure it’s illegal?

And yet that’s the policy of the local golf club!

If it is illegal, who can I go to to get it sorted?

OP posts:
MrsFezziwig · 27/07/2019 10:44

If the men & women’s fees for a 7 day membership are the same then it is discrimination, as women are getting reduced access for the same money. If the fees are cheaper for reduced access, then this option should be available to both men and women.
Golf clubs are notorious for their outdated thinking.

Witchend · 27/07/2019 10:50

At dd's club women pay 1/4 the fee, no joining fee and there's no waiting list whereas the waiting list for men is in years not weeks. So I think that is fair enough.
You could try asking if you paid full fees could you play in the afternoon

Burlea · 27/07/2019 10:53

Is it a private members club, they might be able to make their own rules. Not saying it's right if you all pay the same fees.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General sports
Original poster
TheNightof1000Fans · 27/07/2019 10:56

I’ve just checked the website and the 7 day membership fee is the same whether you are a man or a woman.

OP posts:
ithinkiammelting · 27/07/2019 10:58

Is this kind of attitude still going on in golf?

If the club is charging the same 7-day membership fees for both sexes and men are also allowed longer hours than the women, then they can't get away with this. It is blatant sex discrimination.

Cruddles · 27/07/2019 11:05

Is this for competition play or social play?

AnnieOH1 · 27/07/2019 11:13

There's a club local to me where there's still a men's only bar area.

You might want to have a read at this and perhaps reach out to the R&A for assistance (not saying they definitely will but...) www.randa.org/News/2018/05/The-RandA-unveil-Women-in-Golf-Charter-at-The-Shard-in-London

At our club Saturday mornings are reserved for competitions the majority of the time so there's no tee times available till noon at the earliest unless you're in the comp.

As a private members club though they can set their own rules and charter, generally speaking. Provided you were aware of the restrictions I'm pretty certain there's no legal route to take against them.

Popfan · 27/07/2019 11:25

I play golf. That's terrible. Definitely take it up with them!

FrancisCrawford · 27/07/2019 11:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FunnyHappyGirl · 27/07/2019 12:56

I'd be moaning about that definitely! You pay the same price but get reduced access just because you have a pair of tits instead of a dick?? Charming!

My DP keeps trying to convince me to play golf, but I've pointed out that it's totally pointless at his club because all the ladies comps are on a weekday morning which is not helpful for someone that works full time.

Blankspace4 · 27/07/2019 13:01

I would challenge them, in writing, and I also think it is the type of things the local (maybe even national?) press would be interested in covering.

I’m afraid I really don’t buy the “women are slower” piece. I understand the need for a certain handicap / standard of play at certain times, to ensure play flows throughout the course and there aren’t bottlenecks (but aren’t there ways of dealing with this anyway?).

This is a horrifically outdated concept and needs to change. As you point out, it may well be illegal too.

SeaEagle21 · 27/07/2019 13:10

I'm sure it's illegal. My son in law manages a golf club, and they were recently taken to court over a very similar situation. The club lost and the female players can now play all day, every day, same as the men . It cost the club a lot to go to court - they are still smarting about it.

ProfessorSlocombe · 27/07/2019 13:10

Is it a private members club, they might be able to make their own rules.

You can't make up rules that break the law. What if the club decides it's "No blacks", or "No Muslims" too ?

Fairenuff · 27/07/2019 13:13

Just identify as male. Problem solved.

MiniMum97 · 27/07/2019 13:16

I can't believe the posters who are trying to justify this. Of course it is sex discrimination.

stucknoue · 27/07/2019 13:21

I would contact your mp. But unless you are a member I'm not sure they will help - if current members accept it then more fool them, but it's a private club so the existing members need to complain

PanGalaticGargleBlaster · 27/07/2019 13:24

I can't believe the posters who are trying to justify this. Of course it is sex discrimination.

How do you feel about the numerous women only golf clubs that still exist?

ProfessorSlocombe · 27/07/2019 13:35

but it's a private club so the existing members need to complain

As noted upthread, it's highly unlikely the club will be able to justify it's rules and would lose any court case (plus the considerable legal costs).

Here's some light reading.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/85018/private-clubs.pdf

Be wary of people who dig up pre-2012 references.

A nice person might show that to the club in question as a gesture of goodwill. Personally I wouldn't bother. It's highly unlikely they are unaware of their position - as most privileged people are - and a swift kick in the courts might held send a message to other antediluvian outfits that want to live in the 19th Century.

Original poster
TheNightof1000Fans · 27/07/2019 13:59

So having done some research... Whether or not it is a private club has no relation to the fact that it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex, which is what this club is doing.

Please read the document linked above to see why it’s ok to have clubs just for women or just for people with HIV or just for people who have autism etc.

I am going to approach them first to see what their excuse is and then take it further. Either by contacting the Equalities office or my MP.

OP posts:
PicsInRed · 27/07/2019 14:16
  1. Fucking outrageous. Go get em, OP. 👍
Blankspace4 · 27/07/2019 14:24

Go for it @TheNightof1000Fans and definitely come back and let us all know how you get on.

HermioneWeasley · 27/07/2019 14:33

It is unlawful rather than illegal.

A letter from a solicitor pointing this out?

celtiethree · 27/07/2019 14:43

Sorry I can’t agree that women physically can’t get round as fast as men. I played for many many years and absolutely did not take longer to play. My play was often faster. This was true of many women players.

In our local club to avoid charges of discrimination fees were equalised and more times opened up for women.

PanGalaticGargleBlaster · 27/07/2019 14:59

Sorry I can’t agree that women physically can’t get round as fast as men. I played for many many years and absolutely did not take longer to play. My play was often faster. This was true of many women players.

I guess my experience differs from yours then. Generally speaking four ball women's groups were way slower then the mens equivalent , there are always exceptions of course, but I have actually walked off the course on more then a few occasions when been stuck behind an all female society day group who have played so slowly I have literally given up.

AnotherEmma · 27/07/2019 15:08

See www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services/discrimination-in-the-provision-of-goods-and-services1/discrimination-in-goods-and-services-overview/

I suggest that you make a formal complaint and reference the Equalities Act in your letter. Ideally you would contact Citizens Advice and/or the EASS helpline before you do so.