NORTHOP GOLF CLUB
Control Table
| Title | Policy for inclusion of transgender and non-binary golfers in Northop Golf Club Competitions |
| Author(s) | DP |
| Document date | 12/5/2025 |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Status | Approved by The Board |
| Document | Inclusion of transgender and non-binary golfers in Northop GC competitions |
| Next Review Date | Annually |
| Version | Date | Amended By | Summary of changes |
Policy for inclusion of transgender and non-binary golfers in Northop Golf Club competitions
1 Introduction
Wales Golf has adopted a Policy for inclusion of transgender and non-binary golfers in Wales Golf competitions; this policy can be found on their website walesgolf.org/competitions-policies
Wales Golf have given guidance to Welsh Golf clubs to develop their own policy for club golf
On this basis Northop Golf Club is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and this policy aims to balance the principles of fairness and gender inclusion in a way that is reasonable and proportionate for the sport of amateur golf when golfers play and compete at the club.
At the same time, the club must also ensure that fair and level competition is achieved as far as possible, within the context of competitive sport
Wales Golf in their policy (www.walesgolf.org/competitions-policies) have determined that golf is a “gender affected” sport as defined in applicable legislation. The physical strength, stamina or physique of average persons of a female sex would put them at a disadvantage compared to the average persons of a male sex as competitors in the sport of golf
The club will keep this policy and its impact under review and will continue to take into account of the developing evidence around the issue of transgender and gender diverse participation in sport and any impact upon the issue of fairness in competition
2. Application of the policy
The club respects the rights of all individuals to adopt a gender identity different than their sex assigned at birth. Except as set out below, individuals may participate in all club activity in all club activities without restriction. Unlawful discrimination, abuse or harassment, contrary to the Equality Act 2010, will not be tolerated by the club
This policy applies to golf competitions organised by Northop Golf club.
It applies to transgender and non-binary golfers who wish to compete in a gender which is different to their sex assigned at birth
There is a group of rare chromosomal/genetic conditions, referred to as differences in sex development (DSD) conditions, which may require further discussion with Welsh golf
In the event that any person has a concern regarding an individual’s eligibility to participate within a competition, they should not attempt to raise those concerns with the individual. Any concerns should be directed to the club’s Golf Directors.
3. General Competition Eligibility
At all times, the club’s Competition Rules and Regulations for the relevant competition shall apply. Therefore, all entrants in Northop Golf Club competitions are required to have a valid WHS Handicap Index. WHS requires a golfer to identify as either Male or Female, only holding one gender category of WHS Handicap at a time
4.Handicap Competitions
Handicap competitions are either male or female or mixed competitions.
For male and female competitions, competitors are required to hold a WHS handicap which identifies them as male or female
For mixed competitions, competitors may compete in the gender in which they hold their WHS handicap
5. Scratch Competitions
Scratch competitions are either male or female or mixed competitions
For male competitions, players may compete in a competition if any one of the following circumstances applies:
* their sex assigned at birth is male
* they identify as a transgender male
* they identify as non-binary
For female competitions, players may compete in a competition if any one of the following circumstances applies:
* their sex assigned at birth was female, and they have not undergone or commenced any
process to transition to a transgender male
* they identify as non-binary, but their sex at birth was female and they have not undergone
or commenced any process to transition to a transgender male
For mixed competitions players may only compete, on the basis for male and female golfers detailed above
Combined Competitions – Scratch and Handicap Combined
Where there is a competition that allows individuals to play for both prizes (Scratch & Handicap), the eligibility requirements for players to win in either section of that competition will continue to apply. E.g. a transgender female would only be eligible to compete for the handicap competition prize and not for the scratch prize.
Definitions
The following terms have the following meaning in this policy
| Handicap Competitions | A competition played in accordance with Rule 3.1.c (2) of the rules of golfIn a handicap competition: The player’s ‘net score’ for a hole or the round is the gross score adjusted for the player’s handicap strokes.This is done so that players of differing abilities can compete in a fair way |
| Scratch Competitions | A competition played in accordance with Rule 3.1.c(1) of the rules of golfIn a scratch competition; The player’s ‘gross score’ for a hole or round is their total number of strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes)*The players handicap is not applied |
| Sex assigned at birth | The designated sex, whether male or female, that is ascribed on the birth certificate |
| Non-binary | An umbrella term used to describe someone who does not identify exclusively as a man or woman |
| Transgender Woman | An individual assigned male at birth, who identifies as a female |
| Transgender Male | An individual assigned female at birth, who identifies as a male |
