Gents only golf clubs - sexist nonsense or traditions upheld?

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birdieman

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Got an invite yesterday to Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh. First time there and enjoyed only my second game of the year despite some wet weather and thought the course was good overall but perhaps without any particularly memorable holes. 4th oldest golf club in the world I believe so a lot of history and tradition.
Anyway mate duffed one off the 1st tee and I joked that'll be a gin and tonic please until he pointed out that there are no ladies tees to fail to get past, turns out there are no ladies anything as it's a gentlemen only golf club. There were no ladies in the bar, restaurant or on the course, just one or two waitressing.
I thought such things were consigned to history?

Have to say there was a noticeable 'quiet calm' about the place which did make for a relaxing lunch!
;)

What are peoples thoughts on this - Good thing, bad thing or plain irrelevant (it's our club and we'll do what we like)?
 
If it's a private club and they don't get any public funding or money from the SGU or R&A etc then that's up to them.

Makes me a bit sad that such places still exist though.

On the other hand at least they're open and honest about their attitude to women.... unlike many other golf clubs...
 
Yep, all very sad and the day that all that sort of rubish is over with will be a better day for golf and the world as a whole...
 
It sounds great, how much is membership?

Just had a look on the website and it states the following...

Ladies are most welcome at Bruntsfield, and can use the Visitors' Lounge and Dining Room at all times and play on the course without restriction except when Bruntsfield Members' only competitions are being held.

It appears that Ladies are welcome there, not so appealing after all!
 
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They may not have lady members Birdieman, but, the wifes and partners of the members do get to play the course. Same across the fence at the Burgess, no lady members there either. Think both these clubs can do their own thing as they are definitely very much traditional old style members clubs. It obviously works for them as they still have considerable waiting lists.

I was down there a couple of weeks back and there was certainly the usual mix within the clubhouse. We did see some ladies out on the course during the afternoon. The course is apparently vastly underused during the week which is a shame really as it is a very nice place to spend a sunny afternoon :)

They've got some fantastic exhibits in their display cases as you go up the main staircase.

I would add, that whilst I can see why they operate in the manner they do, it's not the way I see a modern golf club should be run.
 
DCB said:
It's one of these places where if you have to ask....... you can't afford it
;)
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always disliked that saying! I have to ask how much my pro is selling a sleeve of balls for but it certainly doesn't mean I cant afford them...........

your spending too much time on the Mizuno forum DCB:ears:
 
Thankfull in my view these places are becoming rarer and I do find it an interesting attitude to have in these times but clearly they are set in their ways and are able to make ends meet. For me, although they can be a slow pain in the posterior on the course (only kidding) I like the fact we've a thriving ladies section. They actually do a lot for the club behind the scenes (flowers arrangements, social events) and they are fun to play with in the mixed scrambles
 
Honestly I couldn't care less. A private members club can operate any way it sees fit, there are
more than enough options out there to cater for every taste.

P.S. why do we never see threads asking why the WI don't allow men in ;)
 
I have nothing against men only clubs as the concept of going somewhere only men will be has it's appeal to me. I've played with woman and enjoyed it, I wouldn't want men only pubs and maybe a men only club would be better off with women their to create a balance. But ultimitely I have no issue with men or women clubs. In fact I'm quite happy that women have women only clubs as I'd have no desire to go into but that said I'd expect they'd be very welcoming and I'd have a good time in one. But would I actively want to go into one just because it's a womans' club? No.
 
I see nothing wrong with a mens only club. There are plenty of other types of clubs out there aimed at specific denominations, sexes, lifestyles whatever, I wont lose any sleep over people wanting to be naturist caravanners or whatever.
If I dont want to be a member, I wont. Its not like anyone is forcing you to join and pay for something you dont want (unlike the tv license!)
 
patricks148 said:
Why not plenty of Women only clubs about.
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there are women only clubs - st rule, st regulus, lundin links - but none of them own a golf course! Bruntsfield and Burgess own their courses. Never fancied playing them to tell the truth...just parkland courses and there are thousands of them to choose from!

Am off to play Carnoustie tomorrow - now thats an exciting course - an open course that will truly bite my bum if i dont give it enough respect ;)
 
HomerJSimpson said:
Thankfull in my view these places are becoming rarer and I do find it an interesting attitude to have in these times but clearly they are set in their ways and are able to make ends meet. For me, although they can be a slow pain in the posterior on the course (only kidding) I like the fact we've a thriving ladies section. They actually do a lot for the club behind the scenes (flowers arrangements, social events) and they are fun to play with in the mixed scrambles
Click to expand...

Personally, I find this sort of MCP attitude worse than those of the 'honesty' of the male-only clubs!
 
No need for it in my view nd all very sad that men still find the need to ban ladies. However, having said that, there are plenty of other clubs not related to golf that are men only around and if that's the way hey want to run it it's up to them. I don't gree with it but it is a free country
 
pfft, the worst thing ever was when working mens clubs allowed women in the games room!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

snug only in my book & I am deadly serious, puts me right off my snooker, darts and don :)
 
HomerJSimpson said:
Thankfull in my view these places are becoming rarer and I do find it an interesting attitude to have in these times but clearly they are set in their ways and are able to make ends meet. For me, although they can be a slow pain in the posterior on the course (only kidding) I like the fact we've a thriving ladies section. They actually do a lot for the club behind the scenes (flowers arrangements, social events) and they are fun to play with in the mixed scrambles
Click to expand...

Foxholer said:
Personally, I find this sort of MCP attitude worse than those of the 'honesty' of the male-only clubs!
Click to expand...

Not sure what MCP stands for and care even less .They do so off their own bat and to be honest it is their little touches that help make the 19th a welcoming place
 
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