Golf course introduces ‘gender neutral’ tees to ‘challenge stereotypes’ – leaving players to choose which they use
- Maleny Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast has introduced ‘gender neutral’ tees
- Course allows players to choose tee off ‘without being boxed into gender roles’
- Red, white, blue removed to encourage players regardless of gender or ability
- The new ‘innovate’ course ratings reflect the difficulty for both men and women
A Queensland golf club has left members divided after introducing ‘gender neutral’ tees in a bid to ‘challenge stereotypes’.
The Maleny Golf Club, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland region, revealed their new system that allows players to choose their own tee ‘without being boxed into gender roles’ on Monday, March 29.
The 18-hole course will also remove their labelling system of red, white and blue tee colours to eliminate traditional gender-centric stereotypes.
The Maleny Golf Club in Queensland launched gender neutral tees to ‘challenge gender stereotypes’
The Maleny Golf Club (pictured) revealed a new system that allows players to choose their own tee ‘without being boxed into gender roles’ on Monday, March 29
Club professional Wayne Perske said Farm, Obi, and Mountain had replaced old Ladies, Men’s and Championship tees to enhance flexibility and encourage enjoyment of the course by all players – regardless of their gender or ability.
‘Our course ratings reflect the difficulty for both men and women and in future golfers will be able to play competition golf in mixed competitions from the tee block of their choice,’ Mr Perske said.
Some men preferred not to play from the red markers, Mr Perske revealed, because they had been designated as ladies tees for so long.
‘We are changing it up so there’s no stigma attached to a certain colour. By playing from a more appropriate tee-box, more golfers will potentially be hitting approach shots with short or mid-irons instead of hybrids and long irons,’ he said.
‘This could result in a more enjoyable round, with better scores and maybe even fewer lost balls.’
The decision has caused a stir on Facebook, with many avid golfers quick to praise the club.
Club professional Wayne Perske said the removal of the colour marking system will encourage enjoyment of the course by all players, regardless of their gender or ability
The 18-hole course will also remove their labelling system of red, white and blue tee colours to eliminate traditional gender-centric stereotypes
Some men preferred not to play from the red markers, Mr Perske revealed, because they had been designated as ladies’ tees
One woman said the move was ‘for the better’ and finally gave ‘everyone choice.’
‘This is so good. 20 years ago I was banned from playing off the ‘White Tees’ at my old club. I only wanted to improve my golf,’ she said.
Another man praised the decision, calling the move ‘courageous.’
‘I think of people like my 84-year-old father who struggles playing off the ‘men’s’ tees,’ he wrote.
‘Now he can play the shorter course and still be able to compete and remain connected to sport he has played for over 60 years.’
The golf club’s decision has been praised by avid female and male golfers alike online
‘This is so good. Great job Maleny Golf Club leads the way. I applaud you,’ another commented.
Other golfers have heavily criticised the ruling as ‘absolutely stupid.’
‘Are these people for real? Now we’ve got a bunch of whackos running golf courses,’ one man said.
‘The world has officially gone bad, I disagree please don’t do this,’ another said.
‘What about the restrooms in the clubhouse? Can I choose which one I want to use so as to not feel the stigma of being boxed into a gender?’ a third questioned.
The course ratings will reflect the difficulty for both men and women and golfers can play competition golf in mixed competitions from the tee block of their choice
