Public Golf Course Says “Men Only”
The Dennis Pines Golf Course on Cape Cod is being sued by a female champion amateur golfer. Elaine Joyce, 43, was all set to tee off from the men’s tees in a tournament last May but course officials left her name off the tee sheet. Instead, the club’s head pro called her dad and said the tournament was not open to women. Umm, I did say she was 43 years old right?
Joyce, a member of Dennis Pines, complained to the town and course for months about the equality issues. After all, she had proven herself as a golfer, having won more than 20 club championships and maintaining a 3 handicap. Last Friday, however, she filed suit with the United States District Court in Boston against the Town of Dennis and three golf officials.
“If I’m going to play with people of similar abilities, the only way is to play with men.”
Women suing golf courses over tee times, memberships, men’s only access and issues in divorce is not a new thing. And, remember in 2003 when Annika Sorenstam entered a men’s PGA tour event as the first woman to do so since Babe Didrikson in 1945? She only lasted two-rounds.
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February 19th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
It will be interesting to follow this case. I think that the course being public could have a major impact on the case.
http://saturdaygolfer.com/blog/
February 20th, 2008 at 7:34 am
While there is quite a bit of controversy about women and private clubs, I doubt the folks at Dennis Pines have a prayer that their chauvanistic approach will stand up. For gosh sakes, it’s a public course and with Elaine sporting a 3 handicap, I’ll bet she bettered more than 70% of the field.