Why golf club member was BANNED for dressing up as a woman – sparking sexism storm

A sexism scandal has erupted at one of Australia’s most prestigious top clubs after a male player was suspended for dressing as a woman in protest at a cheaper contract for women.

A male member of Victoria’s 13th Beach Golf Links, home to the Victorian Open, showed up at the golf course’s front desk wearing a dress and wig, telling staff he now identified as a woman.

The player and a person who took the video of him walking to the counter, both in their 70s, plus another member, have been suspended by the club.

According to the Herald Sun, a petition is now circulating among club members calling for the resignation of club chairman Grant Phelps, ‘particularly over this issue’.

The petition reportedly has more than 130 signatures from both male and female players, which could lead to an extraordinary general meeting having to dismiss the incumbent chairman.

Explaining the reason for the suspension, general manager Rob Hurley said the trio had allegedly breached club policy “by disrespecting staff, filming them without their consent and then posting that video via a messaging service.

“The suspension had nothing to do with the members’ chosen attire,” he said.

’13th Beach has a clear procedure for dealing with complaints about member conduct. The procedure for this matter is still ongoing. 13th Beach is committed to protecting and providing a safe working environment for its staff.’

A golf club member has been suspended after dressing up as a woman in protest

The 13th Beach Golf Links has been hit by a storm of sexism in recent months

Golf Australia’s James Sutherland supported the club, saying the organisation strongly opposes “anyone who protests, harasses or campaigns against attempts to correct the historic under-representation in our sport”.

“We want golf to be a sport for everyone. We strongly believe that we can all be golfers and that people should feel welcome and included in our golf community,” he said.

‘There have been some incredible success stories in recent times, where clubs have transformed themselves in line with the ambition to make golf a fun, welcoming, community sport, which is why we are very supportive of the initiative by 13th Beach Golf Links to try and grow and diversify its membership.

‘Behaviour that runs counter to golf’s ambition to become more inclusive, whether it is of women, young people, people with disabilities or people from culturally diverse backgrounds, only reinforces the idea that golf is stuck in the past and refuses to change.

‘Such behaviour should not be tolerated and must be addressed by the entire golf community.’

13th Beach has announced new special deals aimed at encouraging more female players to join the club, with the club aiming to increase female membership from the current 18 percent to 30 percent by 2027.

In May, the club said on social media that the new membership agreements provided “the perfect opportunity for women new to golf, or seasoned golfers”, to play at 13th Beach Golf Links, located near Barwon Heads.

Last month, Phelps said only ten women had taken advantage of the six-day membership and he defended the decision.