Golf Australia Updates Gender Policy

Melbourne, Australia: Golf Australia (GA) has released an updated Gender Policy, bringing Australian amateur golf into alignment with the policies adopted by the world’s leading golf organisations, including The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The revised policy, which took effect last week, was developed over more than 12 months in consultation with leading sport integrity experts and in consultation with state associations, industry bodies, a sample of affiliated golf clubs, and sport inclusion organisations.

Golf Australia has maintained its current Gender Policy since 2016. The update reflects the organisation’s on-going commitment to ensuring its approach remains current, fair and aligned with the latest international frameworks and scientific evidence.

The policy balances two key principles: making golf simpler and more inclusive at the grass-roots club level, while maintaining competitive fairness at the elite amateur level.

At club and grass-roots level, trans and gender diverse players can hold and compete under either a GA Men’s or GA Women’s Handicap based on their gender identity, with no medical testing requirements. These provisions are binding for all affiliated clubs. The Australian Rules of Handicapping, in alignment with the World Handicap System is designed to support equitable competition between players of all skill-level.

At the elite amateur level, women’s and girls’ scratch championships have eligibility criteria aligned with the R&A’s international framework. An application and approval process is required, submitted at least six weeks before the relevant event.

Once selected, a player’s handicap category cannot be changed for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years, an important safeguard that prevents category changes being used for competitive advantage.

The policy does not apply to non-competitive golf. Social rounds, coaching sessions, junior clinics and casual play are completely unaffected. This is consistent with Golf Australia’s on-going commitment to clubs offering multiple tee options, a gender-neutral approach to course set-up that is already being adopted at golf courses around Australia, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for all players.

Damien de Bohun, Golf Australia General Manager Places to Play, said the update reflects a natural alignment with global best practice.

De Bohun said: “Everyone deserves to feel welcome, safe and like they belong in our game, regardless of their gender identity. The world’s leading golf organisations updated their gender policies in late 2024 and early 2025. We have followed the same considered path, working with leading sport integrity experts to develop a policy that balances inclusion with competitive fairness.

“We acknowledge that for some transgender players, particularly those who compete at the elite amateur level, these eligibility criteria may be difficult and deeply personal. We do not take that lightly, and we are committed to supporting any player navigating their eligibility with care, respect and privacy.

“The handicap provisions are binding for all affiliated clubs. For club-run scratch events such as club championships, we strongly recommend clubs adopt the national eligibility framework. Doing so ensures consistency across the game, provides clarity for players moving between clubs, and means Golf Australia can provide direct support and guidance to any club navigating a situation that arises.”

The policy is supported by a dedicated online resource hub featuring tailored handbooks and guides for key audiences, a handicap category change process guide, and FAQs. Education webinars for club administrators will be available in the week of August 31.

Brooke Irvine, Golf Australia’s National Integrity Manager, said: “This policy provides a clear, fair framework and we are here to support any player or club implementing or navigating it.

“For transgender and gender diverse players, the decision to share their identity is deeply personal and that must be respected. A player’s gender identity must not be disclosed without their express consent, and no player should ever be confronted or questioned about who they are on the course or in the clubhouse.

“Golf clubs are at their best when every person who walks through the door feels like they belong. That’s what this policy supports, creating environments where people can simply enjoy the game without fear of judgement, and where privacy and dignity are treated as non-negotiable.”