Driving Change: Women Shaping the Future of Golf

12 November 2025 – GolfRSA proudly hosted the Women in Golf Charter Business Breakfast in November at the prestigious Copperleaf Golf Club in Gauteng, under the powerful theme “Driving Change: Women Shaping the Future of Golf.”

With more than 80 representatives from clubs, academies, unions, associations and industry bodies in attendance, the event celebrated meaningful progress and reaffirmed South Africa’s growing commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in golf.

The breakfast formed part of GolfRSA’s ongoing efforts to champion the Women in Golf Charter.

The global R&A-led initiative calls on the golf industry to create a culture where women are valued, welcomed, and empowered across every aspect of the sport with the goal of increasing the number of women and girls playing and working in golf, and building an environment where everyone feels they belong.

GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn opened the programme by welcoming guests and emphasising the impact of collective action in reshaping South African golf.

“The Charter is not just a statement of intent; it’s about measurable action,” said Hepburn. “It challenges clubs, unions and leaders to drive real change: more women on fairways, in boardrooms and in leadership roles. Our responsibility is to make sure women and girls see golf as a place where they belong, can grow, and can lead.”

He further highlighted the shared responsibility across the sport:

“Everyone has a role to play. Golf clubs can sign the Charter and commit to inclusivity goals. Schools and communities can introduce girls to golf. Businesses can back mentorship and leadership initiatives. And importantly, male allies such as coaches, captains and administrators who understand that an inclusive sport is a stronger sport, are stepping up.”

The morning featured standout presentations by R&A Development Manager-Africa Eden Thompson, Womens Golf South Africa President Susan Andrew and GolfRSA Women in Golf Charter Ambassador Janyne Marais. Their session shared a global overview of how the Charter is transforming the game, highlighted progress already achieved locally and mapped the next steps to deepen its impact at every level of the sport.

Royal Johannesburg CEO Paul Leishman and Bryanston Country Club’s Charter Champion Julie Bruyns-Leach shared inspiring insights and real-world examples of how their clubs are actively bringing the Women in Golf Charter to life.

Attendees participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion, presented by GolfRSA CEO Anne Vermaak, CMASA CEO Roxanne Reeves, Candice Humphrey – Marketing and Membership Manager Royal Johannesburg, GolfRSA Manager WHS & Related Projects Lara Weinstein and WIGLFP participant, pro golfer & PGA Coach Tandi McCallum.

The collaborative discussions and interactive activities were designed to spark fresh ideas and strengthen industry partnerships. The event closed with an uplifting keynote from award-winning speaker, coach and former professional singer, Verity Price.

The atmosphere was one of purpose, optimism, unity and the shared understanding that meaningful change comes through sustained effort, aligned vision and collective responsibility.

Another highlight of the morning was the announcement of 14 new Women in Golf Charter signatories, including Bryanston Country Club, Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, the Club Management Association of South Africa, Gauteng North Golf Union and the African Turf Academy.

These organisations, who joined the early adopters such as The PGA of South Africa, the Sunshine Tour and Sunshine Ladies Tour, Stingers GC Foundation as well as Boland, Central Gauteng, Eastern Province, Southern Cape Golf  and Western Province Golf Unions, further signal growing the national commitment.

The Charter recognises not only a moral imperative for change, but also the economic opportunity of expanding the game through greater female participation. Welcoming more women, girls and families into golf strengthens the sport’s future and broadens its reach.

The Business Breakfast served as a powerful reminder that when golf communities stand together, lasting change becomes possible and GolfRSA is leading the way in shaping a more inclusive future for South African golf.

As part of the morning’s proceedings, GolfRSA, The R&A and CMASA also announced the launch of the second South African cohort of The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme, following the success of the inaugural 2025 intake. For more information, click HERE.

DID YOU KNOW?
More than 1,300 organisations worldwide have now signed the Women in Golf Charter, collectively working to break down barriers and build a sport where everyone can thrive.

For more information on the Women in Golf Charter, click HERE.

For the full list of GolfRSA Charter signatories, click HERE.