Troon’s International Division has outlined its commitment to The R&A Women in Golf Charter, a global initiative aimed at increasing the number of women and girls who participate in golf and creating more opportunities for women to work within the golf industry.
The announcement comes during Troon Women’s Golf Month, a month in which Troon facilities around the world highlight initiatives promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the sport and encourage female participation at all levels.
The commitment includes Troon International’s managed golf courses, Al Hamra Golf Club, Al Zorah Golf Club, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Hills Golf Club, The Els Club, Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, and The Track Meydan Golf.
Troon International’s commitment reaffirms the company’s dedication to fostering an environment that supports female golfers, associates, and stakeholders.
The Grove in England, became a signatory of the Charter in 2022 and has since stood out as a leader in the United Kingdom golf industry for its efforts in employing and developing women within its team. Currently, the golf team at The Grove comprises seven talented female staff members and will continue grow.
“At Troon International, we believe that golf has the power to bring people together and break down barriers. By joining the Women in Golf Charter, we are making a commitment to continue our efforts in promoting gender equality and inclusivity in golf,” said DJ Flanders, Senior Vice President at Troon.
“Our facilities continually strive to make the sport accessible, whether that is through fun female-focused events or collaborative CSR initiatives in line with our Play Troon Calendar. We believe that together, we can make a positive impact on the future of the sport and ensure that it remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” added Flanders.
The Women in Golf Charter outlines six key commitments, including encouraging participation and inclusion, promoting career opportunities for women, supporting women’s golf events, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, communication and content around women’s golf, and to facilitate female champions.
Troon International’s commitment to the Women in Golf Charter reflects one of the company’s guiding values to be attentively inclusive and promote a culture of diversity and inclusion. The company plans to actively seek to attract new female golfers and retain existing female golfers by offering initiatives and events that build upon the social element of golf, promote Women’s Golf Month, junior girls’ programmes, and family-friendly tee times through Troon Family Golf and family clinics and open-day events.
Troon International also recognises the importance of increasing the number of women working in the golf industry and will actively promote and seek to recruit female candidates for all positions, including coaching, management, and leadership roles. The company also provide professional development opportunities and mentoring programmes for women within the company through the Troon LEADer programme and other strategic initiatives to help women advance their careers within the industry.
In late 2020, Troon established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council to create a company-wide environment where all associates feel valued, included, and empowered to bring their best selves to work every day.
Talent is the sole meaningful differentiator, based on abilities, character, and work ethic. Troon International’s commitment to the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter further reflects its dedication to fostering an inclusive culture, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. On-going training and education will promote diversity, inclusion, and eliminate barriers or biases for associates and stakeholders.
Kendall Murphy, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, said: “Breaking down barriers and allowing access for all people to the game and business of golf is extremely important. “We at Troon are passionate about creating pathways and opportunities for women to excel in the game and business of golf and our commitment to the Women in Golf Charter is an important step in the correct direction.”
