All 1,735 golf clubs and 60 county unions in England have achieved Respect in Golf status by completing the England Golf Terms of Affiliation.
All affiliated clubs and counties have implemented (or reviewed and renewed) an equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) policy, stating that discrimination is not acceptable, as well as aligning disciplinary procedures to ensure any issues are dealt with properly, fairly and consistently.
This accreditation sits alongside, and in addition to, the SafeGolf accreditation already achieved by every golf club, ensuring golf clubs and counties have a policy and process to create a safe and positive environment for all those participating, working and volunteering in the game.
The Respect in Golf movement was introduced in 2023 with the aim of inspiring the sport to become more accessible and inclusive to all, ensuring people from any walk of life feel welcome to take up the game and to participate at whatever social and/or competitive level they enjoy most.
England Golf chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “Our England Golf Support Team have worked tirelessly to support clubs and counties across the country in 2024 to become Respect in Golf accredited. Respect in Golf runs through everything we do on a daily basis, so it’s a huge achievement for our sport to have all clubs and counties in agreement and on board with what we are collectively trying to achieve.
“We have made, and continue to make, great strides in not only increasing participation throughout underrepresented groups but also addressing and changing long-held perceptions of golf. By continuing to educate people about Respect in Golf and working alongside our fellow Home Nations, industry partners and affiliated clubs, we remain committed to driving the message that there is no place for any form of discrimination in golf. Golf belongs to everyone and all who play, and all who aspire to play, must have an equal opportunity to do so. We embrace our responsibility to inspire the most welcoming environment for all to enjoy our sport, and our role to prioritise that the safety and integrity of all in our sport is protected.”
England Golf also prioritised facility affiliation support in 2024 – to work with facilities including driving ranges, simulators and adventure golf courses to help bring more people into the game. More than 80 sites have been affiliated so far, and the England Golf Support Team is working with them to attract more people into playing golf while assisting with promotion, ED&I and safeguarding.
