Singapore: The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the region’s ruling body on amateur golf, has aligned with The R&A Women in Golf Charter.

Philip Hassall, Chairman of the APGC, said: “As the governing body for amateur golf across more than 40 member nations in the Asia-Pacific region, the APGC recognises the immense value of this global initiative in fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable future for our sport.

“We fully endorse the Charter’s vision of encouraging more women and girls to play golf and to pursue rewarding careers within the sport.

“The APGC is committed to playing a leadership role in this endeavour across our region. We will actively encourage and promote greater participation and opportunities for girls and women at all levels, from grass-roots introduction to high-performance pathways and professional roles in coaching, administration, governance, and facility management.”

The R&A Women in Golf Charter, developed by The R&A, aims to inspire positive change across the golfing landscape by encouraging organisations to support gender balance, foster inclusivity, and develop pathways for women to thrive in all aspects of the sport and industry.

Almost 1,500 organisations across the world have signed up and committed to driving forward change, breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive culture within golf. 

In signing up to the Charter, the APGC has committed to the following –

• Leadership and Promotion: The APGC will champion initiatives that inspire more girls and women to take up golf and build successful careers in the sport. This includes integrating women’s development priorities into the Confederation’s regional championships, junior programmes, and talent pathways.
• Encourage Welcoming Environments: The APGC will call upon all member countries and affiliated golf facilities across Asia-Pacific to create more inclusive and welcoming cultures. This involves removing barriers, improving access, adopting family-friendly policies, and ensuring women are valued and supported both on and off the course.
• Collaboration and Accountability: The APGC will work closely with its member national associations to develop and share best practices, set measurable targets where appropriate, and monitor progress toward greater gender balance in participation, volunteering, and leadership roles.

Hassall said: “The APGC believes that a thriving golf eco-system in Asia-Pacific must fully embrace the talents, perspectives, and contributions of women and girls. By uniting behind The R&A Women in Golf Charter, we can drive meaningful change that benefits not only female participants but the entire golf community.

“We look forward to collaborating with The R&A and fellow signatories to turn this commitment into tangible results across our region.”