You can rightfully call it a man’s stronghold: the Royal Dublin Golf Club, which is beautifully located in the bay of the Irish capital, overlooking the Irish Sea. Founded in 1885 by a Scottish banker, it has been an exclusive gentlemen’s business for 136 years. But that will change soon.
Golf club members agreed to amend the bylaws. They adopt the principle of gender equality from the Irish Golf Association which means that the rules will state that “the club will promote gender equality among its members”.
The Golf Association wants all golf clubs in Ireland to do more to get girls and women to play golf. “We see these groups as severely underrepresented at all levels,” said the Chairman of Golf Ireland.
Second golf club
The Royal Dublin Golf Club is the second golf club in the Irish capital to change its policy this year. In May, 83% of Portmarnock golf club members voted to open membership to women.
For 127 years, the golf club’s statutes have stipulated that “the club shall consist of members and the elect shall be gentlemen and shall abide by the rules of amateur status,” Irish public radio RTE previously wrote.
