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Golf Ireland - Club Summary
Golf Ireland
The Boards of both the ILGU and GUI have unanimously approved the Proposal for Golf Ireland and we are now asking you, as members of affiliated clubs to give your support to the proposed establishment of Golf Ireland, through your golf club.
Benefits of Golf Ireland
Golf Ireland will have one vision and one strategy, for both men and women, to lead golf into the future. There will be increased emphasis on support and services for the member clubs of Golf Ireland. Family-friendly initiatives and promoting an inclusive environment will be at the forefront of Golf Ireland’s objectives. The aim of these initiatives will be to help attract more people to the game, to support ongoing harmonious relations in our clubs the length and breadth of the country, and to have families say as a group that “this is a sport for us.”
How will Golf Ireland differ to the ILGU/GUI?
Golf Ireland will be more modern in its structures, provide a voice for all affiliate clubs at both National and Regional level and most importantly it will be equal and inclusive, which will in turn help with attracting more people and families into the game. This will benefit membership numbers and help clubs thrive into the future.
What is Golf Ireland’s stance on equality?
Golf Ireland will seek to ensure that clubs treat all members fairly and that rights and entitlements are determined by membership categories and not by gender.
Will Golf Ireland interfere with the running of our club?
Golf Ireland will not interfere with the day-to-day running of its affiliate clubs. It will support clubs in a range of areas, similar to the services the Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI) provides currently, such as governance, club development and marketing, amongst many others. The club support, development and participation staff will be based locally in each of the four regions. It will also advise clubs on best practice models with a set of overarching principles, which it will encourage clubs to follow.
Can I just continue to play my golf?
The change from ILGU/GUI to Golf Ireland will not adversely impact on golfers’ enjoyment of the game. Clubs can continue to run their own competitions for members and visitors, as they currently do, with both men’s competitions and ladies’ competitions. Golf Ireland will provide guidance and support to clubs and best practice guidelines, as our sport moves to embrace a more modern culture.
What will happen to the voice of women in Golf Ireland given the disparity in the proportion of female (22%) relative to male members (78%)?
Golf Ireland will lead from the front in promoting equality and inclusivity for all golfers.
The role of Golf Ireland President will alternate between men and women, and there will be a minimum 30% representation of both genders at Board and Regional level. Golf Ireland is committed to ensuring that the voice of both men and women is equally heard. The voting system at Golf Ireland General Meetings and Regional Meetings has been devised to ensure that male and female club members will have a say in the outcome of elections and voting on notices of motion.
What change will we see in our club?
The decision to implement change will be for individual golf clubs to decide themselves. A set of overarching principles for clubs will be available, and these principles will be promoted by Golf Ireland. If clubs follow them, they will progress along the road towards improved governance and management practices. Clubs should feel a greater sense of support in the new body, as there will be heightened services delivered to clubs, services that clubs receive currently through the CGI. This will be due to the efficiencies realised by Golf Ireland.
There is no equality legislation in Northern Ireland. How will Golf Ireland manage this?
Golf Ireland will lead by example and will require a minimum 30% representation of both genders at national and regional level. If they wish, clubs can follow the lead of the national body and their regional executives and can replicate these structures. Best practice guidance and support will be available for all clubs.
How do we get a mandate from our club members on how to vote?
Each club affiliated to either the GUI or the ILGU will have the opportunity to cast their vote on the Proposal for Golf Ireland. We are asking each men’s and ladies committee to get a mandate from their members on how to vote. This mandate can be gained in a number of different ways by the men’s/ladies committees, and should result in committees getting authorisation from your members to vote for or against the Proposal.