Future of Women’s Club Championships
| From the beginning, when the first lady joined The Brisbane Golf Club back in 1897, the Women Members displayed a determination and enthusiasm to encourage all women into golf, as well as improve their overall experience at the Golf Club. They never wavered from their task, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their foresight, helping set the foundation for the Club as we know it today.
It is with this same spirit that we embraced the R&A Women in Golf Charter. Our Club was the first in Queensland to accept and sign the charter, acknowledging that one of the corner stones is to develop an inclusive environment for women and girls within golf, including making the Club Championships available to all Women Members young and old without having to use “holiday allowances” or take time off school. In 2023 the Club Championship was played with multiday qualifying rounds, with the match play rounds scheduled concurrently with the Men’s Club Championships on Sunday. This progressive approach to our Championships was one of the actions that earned The Brisbane Golf Club, Golf Australia’s March 2023 “Visionary of the Year award”. Reflecting on the Women’s Club Championships, what has been and what is now, one would be excused for thinking that nothing has changed. However, since its inception in 1901, it has taken many forms, starting with 2 rounds of stroke, followed by years of nothing, relying on the Queensland State Championships to crown the Club Champion, followed by cancellation of the event during the War Years, before it finally settled into the Match Play format. With the alternate format being introduced in 1986 under the captaincy of Jill Hughes. For more detailed information on the history click this link. These changes to the Championships have mirrored concurrent changes within our society. From 2024, to adopt the inclusive approach, the Club Championships will be played as the match play format, allowing everyone equal access to the premier event of the year. The 2 qualifying rounds will be played on Saturday or Tuesday, and Thursday or Saturday, with the finals played on Sunday alongside the men – an inclusive, exciting exhibition of golf. With this change comes an exciting new addition to the Women’s Calendar – With full support from the Match Committee, a new Honour Board Event! It will be added to the program in 2024. Containing 4 rounds of stroke, played exclusively during the week, being available to all who wish to enter, bearing in mind that “holiday allowances” and time off school may need to be negotiated. Jill Hughes Captain in 1986, introduced the alternate Championship format, thus it seems fitting to name the new Honour Board Event after her – Jill, by the way, is thrilled to have an event named after her – “Jill Hughes Stroke Play Trophy”.
Nothing else will change in the Women’s program. Bring on 2024! Janet Nathanson |
