GMAQ NEWS
AUSTRALIA TO RECEIVE FUNDING FOR
NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS TO ATTRACT
WOMEN & GIRLS INTO GOLF
T
he R&A is continuing its commitment
to increase participation in golf among
women and girls by providing funding to
support the appointment of new development
managers in Australia, England, Ireland,
Scotland and Wales.
Working with its affiliates around the world to
enhance golf’s appeal, the investment forms
part of the governing body’s drive to encourage
more women, girls and families to play golf
more regularly across the globe and to go on to
become members of golf clubs.
An initial three-year funding package of £75,000
per nation has been agreed between The
R&A, Golf Australia, England Golf, the Golfing
Union of Ireland / the Irish Ladies’ Golf Union,
Scottish Golf and Wales Golf for the recruitment
and appointment of experienced sports
development staff.
The appointees will all work in partnership with
golf’s various stakeholders to deliver innovative
solutions and inspiring campaigns to boost
participation at a time when more women are
seeking an active lifestyle for both themselves
and their families.
Chyloe Kurdas has been appointed to the
position at Golf Australia, with her most
recent role being AFL Victoria Female Football
Development Manager.
Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf
Development at The R&A, said, “Women and
girls continue to be an under-represented group
throughout golf across the world and more
work needs to be done to attract more of them
into the sport at a time when we need to boost
participation levels.
“We believe that there is a real opportunity,
working with our affiliates, to develop inclusive
and inspiring participation initiatives which
show that golf is a fun and enjoyable leisure
activity that can provide many social and health
benefits for women and families.”
A recent research report commissioned by The
R&A demonstrates that a significant growth
opportunity exists for golf if it can attract more
women, girls and families into playing the sport
more often.
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