The President’s Award for Golf Development 2020 Recognises The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter2 min read

In recognition of the initiative’s global impact, and for its core premise of increasing and developing opportunity for all women in golf to flourish, The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter has been awarded The President’s Award for Golf Development 2020.

The award, which recognises outstanding golf development programmes, initiatives and grassroots projects, was received by The R&A’s Assistant Director of Golf Development, Jackie Davidson, during this year’s Annual Awards, a presentation that formed a part of the CPG’s Virtual Annual Congress.

The R&A Women in Golf Charter is a global initiative that has gained significant support and momentum from across the golfing world, with over 50 Federations, 30 Organisations and PGAs, and numerous other golf facilities creating their own pledge to further the women’s game.

On receipt of the award, Davidson said: “On behalf of The R&A, I would like to say thank you very much to the CPG for this award. We all recognise that change needs to happen in golf, and perhaps one of the key areas where we are improving opportunity is around women and girls.”

CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell, commented: “The R&A’s leadership is so important in driving change in our sport to ensure that it becomes more accessible, appealing and inclusive and we congratulate them on this initiative. It is a great example of how golf’s national and international organisations are increasing collaboration by collectively getting behind significant initiatives and programmes around the globe.

“Having made our own Women in Golf pledge at the time of launch and encouraged our Member PGAs to do likewise, we recognise the importance of the Charter, and support its goal of encouraging women across all levels and backgrounds to enjoy golf and thrive within the sport.”

Adoption of the Charter requires national federations, PGAs and other golf bodies to build on and develop initiatives which will focus on encouraging more women and girls to play golf and stay within the sport as members of clubs, while also empowering women to enjoy successful careers working within the golf industry.

Signatories vary in size and resources, they operate across diverse territories and their operations cover different aspects of the golf industry. In signing the Charter, each signatory commits to making tangible efforts to develop a welcoming and inspiring environment for women.