GolfRSA is proud to announce that Bryanston Country Club has become the first golf club in South Africa to sign the GolfRSA Women in Golf Charter, marking a landmark commitment to greater inclusion, diversity and opportunity for women and girls in the sport.
Launched in association with The R&A, the Charter sets out a clear vision to transform the culture of golf and create an inclusive environment where women and girls can thrive. By signing, Bryanston Country Club has pledged to drive gender balance across all areas of the game – from participation and leadership to governance and visibility.
“From grassroots heroes to elite champions, women’s golf journeys deserve equal stages, equal coverage, and equal recognition. Through the Women in Golf Charter, led by The R&A, GolfRSA is committed to elevating women’s golf across South Africa, ensuring women and girls are seen, heard, and celebrated,” said GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn.
“Bryanston Country Club’s decision to sign our Charter is a milestone moment for South African golf. As the first club to formally pledge its support, Bryanston is leading the way in showing how clubs can actively break down barriers, provide opportunities, and create spaces where women and girls feel welcome in every aspect of the game.”
As part of its Charter commitments, Bryanston Country Club has pledged to expand programmes for women and girls, including coaching clinics and beginner pathways, increase female representation in decision-making and leadership roles, foster a more welcoming culture through education, awareness and communication, and track and report on progress to ensure accountability and long-term impact.
“Signing the GolfRSA Women in Golf Charter reflects our belief that golf is for everyone and that every person, regardless of gender, should feel welcome and supported within our club environment,” said Andrew Rogers, General Manager of Bryanston Country Club.
“This commitment is about more than just words on paper – it’s about creating opportunities, removing barriers, and ensuring that women and girls have the same chance to participate, develop and succeed in the game.
"We are proud to set the standard as the first club in South Africa to take this step, and we hope our example will encourage many others to follow. By working together as a golfing community, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport we all love.”
GolfRSA will continue to work with clubs, unions and stakeholders nationwide to roll out the Charter, providing guidance, resources and support to ensure meaningful progress.
“This is just the beginning,” said Janyne Marais, GolfRSA Club Liaison and Women in Golf Charter Ambassador. “Bryanston’s leadership shows that real change is possible. By adopting the Charter’s principles, they will not only create opportunities within their own club but also inspire clubs across the country.”
Earlier this year, GolfRSA has launched the first Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme, a flagship initiative backed by The R&A to cultivate a new generation of female leaders in South African golf. The programme equips women with the skills, confidence and opportunities to excel beyond playing – in coaching, administration, governance and club management.
Through workshops, mentorship and practical training, the initiative develops professional competencies while driving cultural change, ensuring women are represented at every level of decision-making. The first cohort of 25 participants will graduate on 25 and 27 November 2025.
“The GolfRSA Women in Golf Charter and the Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme are both elements that will help reshape the landscape of our sport,” Marais said. “As part of the rollout, we will be hosting a Women in Golf Charter Business Breakfast on 12 November 2025 at Copperleaf Golf Estate, under the theme ‘Driving Change: Women Shaping the Future of Golf.’
“We are excited to welcome award-winning keynote speaker Verity Price, who will share insights on how positive leaders drive positive results, alongside representatives from GolfRSA, The R&A, the Club Managers Association of South Africa, Bryanston Country Club and Royal Johannesburg.
"We believe attendees will leave with powerful ideas on how to actively grow the game for women and girls, eliminate discrimination, encourage careers in golf, and foster a safe, family-orientated and inclusive club environment. We look forward to many more clubs adding their names to this important commitment.”