Ladies Or Women?

The committee would like to propose a change in the terminology used from the Ladies to Women – why do we feel this change is important?

While both ‘ladies’ and ‘women’ refer to female humans, ‘ladies’ often carries a more polite or formal connotation, sometimes implying a certain level of refinement or social decorum and lack of athleticism, whereas ‘women’ is a more neutral and widely used term for any adult female, with no inherent implication of social class or behaviour: many women prefer to be called ‘women’ rather than ‘ladies’ due to the potential perception of patronising undertones in ‘ladies’.

Using ‘women’ is seen as a more respectful and accurate way to address female golfers, aligning with broader societal trends towards gender-neutral language and women who may not identify with traditional notions of femininity.

There has been fantastic development in women’s sport – and we universally refer to it as women’s sport. We don’t refer to it as ‘Ladies’ sport.

This term is only used in golf clubs and, at a time when women’s sport is really thriving, golf shouldn’t be left behind.

We are constantly looking at how we can increase our membership levels, and we want younger members and often ask, ‘why don’t young women want to come and play golf?’

We need to realise that they arrive at golf clubs and see lots of signage referring to ‘Ladies’ that is completely counter to anything else they experience in wider society and in their employment.

We must look at what every other sport is doing and how they are growing female participation. Because golf is so mired in traditional terminology, it runs the risk of being overtaken.

You may ask if this change will significantly impact participation, but language is a major catalyst in change, and continuing to use ‘Ladies’ makes golf seem outdated and exclusive.

As a club, Cuddington are working towards joining the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, which is supported by England Golf and other organisations across the industry and it feels inappropriate for us to continue to use the term ‘Ladies’ as a large part of the charter is encouraging more women, girls and families into the sport and it is important for us to align our terminology with a more progressing, forward thinking ethos.

This change will not mean that we cannot use the term 'Ladies' amongst ourselves in general conversation, but it will mean that optically, outsiders looking at our club, will see that we are making positive changes to move our club forward in line with other sports.

We hope that you will feel able to support the committee in this change.

If you have any questions about this issue, any of the committee members would be happy to discuss them with you.

We ask that you now select one of the below options before the end of March so that we can decide as a group if this something the club can adopt.

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