Golf Ireland has created a landmark Gender Equality Audit Research project targeted at its women in sport initiatives to identify opportunities and strengthen equality in golf on the island of Ireland.
As Golf Ireland approaches the conclusion of its first strategic plan, Golf for Everyone, the organisation will evaluate the effectiveness of its programmes, supports and resources to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls in golf.
The study, which is supported through the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Programme, and in partnership with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Ulster University, is led by researchers Dr Aoife Lane and Dr Katie Liston and represents the first sector-wide gender audit of its kind in Irish golf.
Golf Ireland’s LevelPar programme, is a comprehensive initiative which was developed to increase participation, strengthen inclusion and support the advancement of women at every level. This research will examine the effectiveness and impact of LevelPar and the participation programmes within it, such as Get into Golf and Chip & Chat, alongside leadership and governance initiatives including DriveON and the Women in Golf Charter.
The first phase launches today with a 20-minute comprehensive online survey. This is open to anyone who has is a member of a club and has been involved in golf in any capacity over the past 12 months, including members, volunteers, staff, administrators and committee members. Golf Ireland is encouraging participation from women and men, recognising all perspectives are valuable in understanding gender equality throughout the game.
“This research will give us a clear view of how women and girls experience golf on this island. As we near the end of the current strategic plan, it’s the perfect time to assess the impact of the initiatives we have put in place,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“We know progress has been made in recent years, but this audit will tell us where our programmes are working well and where they need to be strengthened, and it will shape the priorities we bring into our next strategic plan.”
The survey will gather insights from golfers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Feedback is also being sought from club administrators and committee members to assess whether existing tools, resources and supports meet the needs of clubs across the country.
The data will help establish how gender equality is understood, experienced and supported within golf and will inform future policy, programme development and investment decisions.
Following the survey, which remains open for four weeks, a series of focus groups will explore key themes in greater depth. The findings will be analysed and compiled into a report, which will support Golf Ireland’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive sport.
“No research of this scale has been carried out in Irish golf before. Working with Dr Aoife Lane and Dr Katie Liston, and with the support of TUS and Ulster University, gives it the academic backing it needs to produce findings we can stand over,” said Golf Ireland COO Tracy Bunyan.
“We’re asking everyone involved in golf, women and men, to take 20 minutes to complete the survey. The strength of this research depends on how many people take part, and the honesty of what they tell us.”
View the survey here
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