A sexism row has erupted at one of Australia’s most prestigious gold clubs after a male player was suspended for dressing up as a woman in protest against a cheaper deal for females.
A male member of Victoria’s 13th Beach Golf Links, which hosts the Victorian Open, presented at the golf course’s reception desk in a dress and a wig, telling staff he now identified as a woman.
The player and an individual who filmed the video of him approaching the desk, both aged in their 70s, plus another member, have all been suspended by the club.
According to the Herald Sun, a petition among club members is now circulating whereby they are calling for the removal of Grant Phelps, the club’s chairman, ‘primarily over this issue’.
It is understood that the petition has amassed more than 130 signatures from both male and female players, which could force a Special General Meeting to remove the sitting chairman.
Explaining the reason for the suspension, general manager Rob Hurley said the trio allegedly breached club policies ‘in that they treated staff with disrespect, filmed them without their consent, and then published that video on a messaging service.
‘The suspension did not relate to the chosen attire of the members,’ he said.
’13th Beach has a clear process for dealing with complaints related to member behaviour, and the process for this matter is still ongoing. 13th Beach is committed to protecting and providing a safe work environment for its staff.’
A golf club member has been suspended after dressing up as a woman in an act of protest
The 13th Beach Golf Links has been mired by a sexism storm in recent months
James Sutherland of Golf Australia backed the club, saying the organisation strongly opposes ‘people who protest, harass or campaign against efforts to correct historical under-representation in our sport’.
‘We want golf to be a sport for all. We strongly believe that all of us can be golfers and people should feel welcome and included in our golf community,’ he said.
‘There are some incredible success stories over recent times where clubs have transformed themselves in line with the ambition for golf to be a fun, welcoming community sport. As such, we strongly support the initiative of 13th Beach Golf Links in seeking to grow and diversify its membership base.
‘Behaviour that opposes golf’s ambition to become more inclusive, whether it be with women, juniors, people with a disability or those from culturally diverse backgrounds, only reinforces the perception that golf is stuck in the past and refuses to change.
‘Such behaviour should not be tolerated and should be challenged by the broader golfing community.’
13th Beach have announced new special deals aimed to encourage more women players to participate. The club’s goal is to raise female membership from its existing 18 per cent to 30 per cent by 2027.
In May, the club said on social media that the new membership deals provided “the perfect opportunity for women new to golf, or seasoned golfers”, to play at 13th Beach Golf Links, located near Barwon Heads.
Last month, Phelps said only 10 women had taken up the six-day membership deal and defended the move.
