BIGGA makes pledge to encourage gender equality in golf

The R&A's assistant director - golf development, Jackie Davidson, alongside BIGGA Chairman Scott Reeves

 

Golf greenkeeping will be promoted as an accessible career choice for everyone following BIGGA’s signing up to the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter.

 

In doing so, BIGGA has committed to encourage all employers, such as golf clubs, to consider the right person for the position that is offered, regardless of gender. 

 

As Europe’s largest association of golf greenkeepers, BIGGA will also seek to develop a culture that values women’s involvement in pursuing a career as a greenkeeper. At the same time, BIGGA applies the same culture to employing the right person for its own team, with over 50% of the management team being female.

 

BIGGA Chairman Scott Reeves said: “Traditionally greenkeeping has been a male-dominated profession, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Of the members of the association who are women, we find that they really enjoy their role and the opportunities for development that it offers. There is nothing that a man can do out on the golf course that a woman can’t and so we’re delighted to have signed this pledge that demonstrates our commitment to encouraging greater gender equality within the profession.”

 

The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter is part of a global drive to increase the number of women and girls participating in golf and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the golf industry. 

 

This very much aligns with BIGGA’s own goals and the association is proud to state that it has already created a Women in Turfcare programme to assist female greenkeepers and to encourage more to pursue greenkeeping as a career. 

 

At BTME 2019 in January, BIGGA hosted a networking session for its female members and others who work in and around the industry. A number of volunteering opportunities have also been highlighted throughout 2019, enabling BIGGA members to get involved at major events such as The Open at Royal Portrush, the AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn and the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.