Golf Ireland has launched an Inclusion Policy and Club Toolkit, marking a significant step in the governing body’s ambition to make golf a game for everyone.
The inaugural policy, which was launched at Clontarf Golf and Bowling Club, sets out Golf Ireland’s approach to inclusion and how the organisation will work with clubs and the wider golf community to make the game more accessible and welcoming to all backgrounds, identities and orientations.
Based on three pillars: Advocate, Engage and Support, the policy outlines Golf Ireland’s commitment to inclusion. Golf Ireland will equip and empower golf clubs to become more inclusive, focusing on reaching new and minoritised communities while ensuring people see golf as a sport where they are welcome.
Golf Ireland has also developed a club toolkit, this will provide clubs with guidance to create environments where everyone feels they belong. The toolkit is designed to be worked through by clubs and assess how inclusive they are, and how they can become more inclusive and accessible, structurally, operationally and culturally. It provides guidance around equitable structures, ways to engage with new and minoritised communities, and develop a club which is open, accessible and welcoming.
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly says the launch was an important step, but real impact will come through implementation of the policy across the game.
“We want golf to be a sport where everyone feels welcome, and this policy sets out how we aim to work towards that,” said Kennelly.
“There is already a lot of good work taking place across our clubs, but we know there is more we can do. The toolkit gives clubs support to look at where they are, where there may be barriers and what they can do to make their club more welcoming and accessible.”
This launch is part of Golf Ireland’s commitment to develop golf as an accessible, inclusive, collaborative and progressive game, while supporting clubs to welcome more people. The policy and toolkit will provide a crucial framework for Golf Ireland and its affiliated clubs.
Sport Ireland Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Ciarán Murphy said:
“Sport Ireland welcomes the launch of Golf Ireland’s Inclusion Policy and the Toolkit that goes with it. It’s a fantastic policy – clear, comprehensive, and it really speaks to a genuine commitment to making golf a more inclusive and welcoming sport for everyone,” said Murphy.
“At Sport Ireland our vision is of an active Ireland where everyone can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity. This policy is a great step towards achieving that vision.”
Richard Archibald, Sport NI Interim CEO said:
“At Sport NI we believe sport is for everyone, regardless of age, race, gender or ability. We welcome Golf Ireland’s leadership in embedding inclusion across participation, governance, education and club development through their new Inclusion Policy and Toolkit,” said Archibald.
“We are proud to have supported the development of this new policy through our National Lottery funded Sports System Investment programme.”
Clontarf have made golf more accessible within their community. They provide participants with a chance to enjoy golf in a welcoming and supportive environment through Friday Friends, a club they host for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Clontarf President Ray Maguire added:
“Over the last six years we have developed an inclusive and structured golf programme catering for over 100 adults with an intellectual disability. It runs from April to October in partnership with St Michael’s House, Praxis and Prosper Fingal,” said Maguire.
“We were delighted Golf Ireland chose our club to launch this Inclusion Policy and Club Toolkit. We in Clontarf regard this as a very positive statement of intent by our sport and an endorsement of the path we have been following here at Clontarf, with the support of Golf Ireland.”
Leave a comment