Golf club facing legal action over male-only policy

The Equality Authority has begun legal action against a Dublin golf club over its male-only membership policy.

The authority is seeking a District Court declaration that Portmarnock Golf Club is in breach of the Equal Status Act by discriminating against women, who can play at the club, but cannot become members. The court action is the first taken by the Equality Authority against a golf club.

Director Niall Crowley said: "Gender discrimination in golf clubs has emerged as a very significant issue under the Equal Status Act.

"We have been in correspondence with a wide range of golf clubs and most have now changed their practices. In the case of Portmarnock, change was not forthcoming and we felt we had to issue these proceedings."