Gender-Neutral Tee Times
Tee Time Trial from 1 May 2026
We want to inform you of a change the Golf Committee would like to trial relating to the way we manage tee bookings at our Club.
Currently, we have a system that shuts off certain times based on gender. This makes it difficult for those wanting to play with partners or family members that are a different gender, which seems a bit backward in this day and age.
So, from 1 May 2026, Hastings Golf Club will introduce a trial of gender-neutral tee time booking, meaning that daily competition tee times will be available for booking by all eligible members, regardless of gender.
The rationale behind this trial is straightforward:
- To provide greater flexibility for members who wish to play with partners, friends, or family
- To ensure fairness of access across our membership. This is part of our drive towards one membership – you pay your subs; you get equal access to the course.
- To better utilise available tee times. There are times when tee times that are blocked out for certain gender are not fully utilised.
- Inclusivity for couples and mixed groups
Of course, there will be times when we need to block off parts of the tee sheet for a particular gender because of the competition being played, and we understand that tee time structures are part of our club culture, so:
- Major competitions and key events will remain structured and protected where required. (e.g. men’s only or women’s only club comps).
- Members can continue to play in traditional all-male or all-female groups if they prefer, they will just need to book themselves in.
- This is a structured trial (6 months), not a permanent change.
The Committee is conscious that change needs to be managed carefully. Some members have expressed strong support for greater flexibility, while others have understandable concerns. In reality we don’t expect this to be a major change, and members will most likely continue to play in their normal spots; it just makes it easier for couples that might want to play together.
To ensure everyone has an opportunity to ask questions and provide input, we will hold some open member information sessions in late March.
- Saturday 21 March 2026 – 10:00am
- Tuesday 24 March – 1:00pm
We encourage respectful discussion and written feedback throughout the trial period. At the conclusion of the trial, participation trends and member feedback will be formally reviewed before any long-term decision is made.
We believe this trial gives the club an opportunity to test a more inclusive booking model while preserving the traditions and competitions that matter to our members.
We’ve attached a FAQ document addressing questions we anticipate members may have.
We encourage everyone to read this carefully before forming conclusions, and we welcome respectful feedback.
We look forward to speaking with many of you over the coming weeks.
Kind regards,
Robyn Bell
President
Nicholas Schnell
Men’s Captain
Joanne Wheater
Women’s Captain
Hastings Golf Club
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