How Royal and Ancient Golf Club has just put Labour on the spot over gender equality
Labour should heed the words of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s first female captain, Claire Dowling, about the need for ‘any institution’ to continue to ‘evolve’
Congratulations to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club on a historic achievement. When Claire Dowling took part in the traditional ‘driving-in’ ceremony at the Old Course in St Andrews, she became the first woman to serve as captain and the club finally entered the, ahem, 20th century.
We’re sure that Dowling, a former Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup player, will make a great captain. “The club has such a remarkable history and tradition but it is continuing to evolve which is so important for any institution,” she said, diplomatically.
This does feel rather embarrassingly late. Some traditions, it seems, die hard even long after their time has come. However, all those involved in the club can now hold their heads up high – while others, with more reasons to promote gender equality than a golf club, may find themselves lowering theirs.
The UK Labour party has never had a woman as its leader (not including acting or interim ones). When will it finally happen? The organisation that once styled itself as ‘New Labour’ now looks decidedly dated compared to an avowedly Ancient one.
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