Henbury Golf Club is proud to announce its nomination for the Women in Golf Charter Club Award at the 2026 England Golf Awards — recognition of a transformative year in which the club delivered one of the most significant equality shifts in its 134‑year history.
In 2020, members voted to incorporate the club and appoint its first Board of Directors, laying the foundations for modern, accountable governance.
Signing the Women in Golf Charter in 2024 accelerated this progress, providing the structure and confidence to address long‑standing inequalities that had shaped club life for decades.
Within just 12 months, reforms once thought impossible became reality. Full equal weekend course access was approved for the 2025 season, ending 27 years of disparity. Weekend competitions open to all increased from five to more than twenty, including first‑ever access for women to the prestigious Captain’s Bowl.
Female representation on the Board and key committees rose from 9% to 30%, and women stepped into senior leadership roles, including Chair of the Club Match & Handicap Committee.
ED&I is now embedded as a standing agenda item across governance. These changes have reshaped the culture of the club.
Saturdays — once a symbol of exclusion — are now a shared space, supported by integrated events, expanded roll‑ups and six competitions on the traditional Women’s Day now open to all.
The Ladies’ Section has been renamed the Women’s Section, reflecting a confident, modern identity, and groundwork is in place for ability tees in 2026.
Targeted initiatives have strengthened recruitment and retention, including Women’s and Girls’ Taster Days, enhanced visibility of women across club communications, and the removal of competition entry limits.
The Women’s Section has grown to 140 members, representing 21.5% of total membership, with a clear ambition to reach 25% by 2030.
Henbury’s nomination reflects a club united by fairness, opportunity and a shared commitment to progress — a place where all members now feel equally welcome and equally valued.
Signing the Women in Golf Charter in 2024 accelerated this progress, providing the structure and confidence to address long‑standing inequalities that had shaped club life for decades.
Within just 12 months, reforms once thought impossible became reality. Full equal weekend course access was approved for the 2025 season, ending 27 years of disparity. Weekend competitions open to all increased from five to more than twenty, including first‑ever access for women to the prestigious Captain’s Bowl.
Female representation on the Board and key committees rose from 9% to 30%, and women stepped into senior leadership roles, including Chair of the Club Match & Handicap Committee.
ED&I is now embedded as a standing agenda item across governance. These changes have reshaped the culture of the club.
Saturdays — once a symbol of exclusion — are now a shared space, supported by integrated events, expanded roll‑ups and six competitions on the traditional Women’s Day now open to all.
The Ladies’ Section has been renamed the Women’s Section, reflecting a confident, modern identity, and groundwork is in place for ability tees in 2026.
Targeted initiatives have strengthened recruitment and retention, including Women’s and Girls’ Taster Days, enhanced visibility of women across club communications, and the removal of competition entry limits.
The Women’s Section has grown to 140 members, representing 21.5% of total membership, with a clear ambition to reach 25% by 2030.
Henbury’s nomination reflects a club united by fairness, opportunity and a shared commitment to progress — a place where all members now feel equally welcome and equally valued.
ENDS
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org