Golf club’s cheap deals for women leads to prank that ends in members’ suspension: See video

A gender row at one of Victoria’s top golf clubs has blown up after a male golfer dressed up like a woman to make a statement on the club’s cheap deal for female players. Watch the video.

A gender row at Victoria’s 13th Beach Golf Links — home to the Victorian Open — has blown up spectacularly, with the suspension of a male player who donned a wig and dressed up like a woman to ask for the club’s new cheaper deal for females.

The player, the person who videoed the stunt and another member were all suspended from the club, located near Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula, a source revealed.

Video has emerged of the male member presenting at the club’s reception desk dressed in a golf skirt and wig, claiming he now identifies as a woman and should therefore be entitled to the cheaper six-day membership deal, offered only to female players.

Both that member and the man who videoed his stunt are understood to have viewed it as a prank, but the club and Golf Australia have condemned the behaviour as disrespectful.

Golf Australia chief James Sutherland said any behaviour which opposed inclusivity, “whether it be with women, juniors, people with a disability or those from culturally diverse backgrounds”, reinforced the perception “that golf is stuck in the past and refuses to change”.

“Such behaviour should not be tolerated and should be challenged by the broader golfing community,” he said.

The video footage — showing staff members attempting to deal with the male member’s request for a female deal — was circulated on WhatsApp.

A male player at 13th Beach dresses up like a woman to request the club’s new cheaper deal for females.

The player wore a skirt and wig to the golf club’s reception.

He said he identified as a woman and should therefore be entitled to the cheaper six-day membership deal.

He was later suspended.

The Herald Sun understands a petition of club members is now also circulating, for the removal of the club’s chairman Grant Phelps, “primarily over this issue”.

It’s understood the petition has more than 130 signatures, from both male and female members, which is more than enough to force a special general meeting to oust the chairman.

13th Beach Golf Links general manager Rob Hurley on Monday confirmed the temporary suspension of three members for allegedly breaching club policies.

He said club staff members had been treated with disrespect, filmed without consent and the video had then been published on a messaging service.

“The suspension did not relate to the chosen attire of the members,” Mr Hurley stressed.

“13th Beach has a clear process for dealing with complaints related to member behaviour, and the process for this matter is still ongoing. 13th Beach is committed to protecting and providing a safe work environment for its staff.”

Golf Australia’s Mr Sutherland said the umbrella organisation took a strong line on people pushing back against efforts “to correct historical under-representation” of some sectors of society in golf, because it should be “a sport for all”.

Kim Kaufman of the US in action at the Vic Open at 13th Beach. Picture: AFP

“We strongly believe that all of us can be golfers and people should feel welcome and included in our golf community,” he said.

“There are some incredible success stories over recent times where clubs have transformed themselves in line with the ambition for golf to be a fun, welcoming community sport.

“As such, we strongly support the initiative of 13th Beach Golf Links in seeking to grow and diversify its membership base.”

Some 13th Beach members have cut up rough over the club’s new special deals, which are designed to encourage more women players and raise female membership from the existing 18 per cent to 30 per cent by 2027.

The club earlier this year announced a membership category for new female members, giving them unique access to its beach and creek courses, six days-a-week and seven-day access to its short course.

Sarah Jane Smith tees off at the Vic Open at 13th Beach Golf Links. Photo: Australian Golf Media

It posted on social media in May the special membership deals provided “the perfect opportunity for women new to golf, or seasoned golfers”, to experience the benefits of a membership at 13th Beach Golf Links.

Earlier this year, Golf Australia magazine labelled 13th Beach Golf Links “one of the most egalitarian clubs in Australia”, and celebrated its moves towards getting more female members by saying it had “reimagined gender-equal practice”.

There has been a temporary suspension of three members at 13th beach for allegedly breaching club policies. Picture: iStock

General manager of Golf Australia’s places to play and clubs and facilities, Damien de Bohun, has told the Herald Sun 13th Beach is one of Australia’s best golf courses, having hosted the Vic Open for the last 11 years.

“13th Beach was home to the first professional golf tournament in the world who ran a men’s and women’s tournament together, and awarded equal prize money to both women and men,” he said.

“Golf Australia has built a strong relationship with 13th Beach and applauds the special measures the club has taken to encourage even more women to take up the sport.”