Even Par program tees off towards equality

LAST week’s running of the groundbreaking Vic Open also saw the launch of a new initiative to further grow the number of female golfers.

Geelong is one of only four regions across Victoria to be chosen to pilot the Even Par program, which has the objectives of inclusivity and equal opportunity for all at golf clubs, especially addressing women’s rights around the sport.

Even Par was launched at a breakfast at 13th Beach Golf Links as the first golfers teed off on day one of the tournament, which is notable for having men and women play on the same course for the same prize money.

About 30 golf clubs have signed up to Even Par so far, and Golf Australia national female participation manager Chyloe Kurdas said clubs should not be scared of the program. “The opportunity is that if we do embrace this, what can we gain?

“What I just really want to see initially is that club committees put their hand up and say ‘we want to explore this space, we want to be a leader’.

“In the long term, the aim is to create golf clubs where there is no barrier to participation for anyone.”

The head of Victoria’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Dr Bridie O’Donnell, said golf had to move beyond specified ladies’ tee times.

“Having a voice is the thing we’re not doing enough; asking people who don’t play golf ‘why not?’

“I think we could change the offering and ask people what would it take you to join, what if we made it free, what if we made you be able to come any time, what if you could connect with six friends on a WhatsApp group and come in at 11am and play for three hours and enjoy the aspects of golf.”

The program forms part of Golf Australia’s delivery of the “Vision 2025: the future of women and girls in golf” strategy.

Four 90-minute workshops will be delivered in 2019 between March and June by Golf Australia staff.