The End of Men Only Tournaments May be Just Around the Corner

At the professional level, golf tournaments are separated by gender. The men have tournaments and the women have their own. But what about at the amateur level? Should all tournaments be segregated based on sex? Amateur golfer Elaine Joyce doesn't think so and she filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit to prove her point.

Back in March of 2007, Joyce was denied the opportunity to play in a Dennis Pines golf course tournament with her father because it was for men only. She filed suit against that golf course, Dennis Highlands golf course, the town of Dennis, former-Town Administrator Bob Canevazzi, former Golf Director Dennis Penner, former Golf Professional Russ Champoux and Golf Director Mike Cummings.

Late last month U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel Gorton ruled in Joyce's favor.  The ruling said that a town, and its golf courses (which are public) could be made liable under the United States equal-protection laws, if they were found to have engaged in gender discrimination through conduct, policy or custom. In this case, Gorton only held the town liable.

This is not the first time Joyce has gone to bat for women's equality on the golf course. Back in the late 90s she fought a similar battle in Yarmouth. She also won her case back then, but was left with such bad feelings about the whole ordeal she never golfed there again. But this recent battle is receiving more press and attention, which means that it could change things in the game of golf.

This ruling could have a huge impact on golf tournaments, both amateur and professional, throughout the country and possibly the world. Precedence has now been set that could see men and women playing together in tournaments whether the golf clubs like it or not. While some people see this as a positive step forward, others will balk at the court's decision, wanting the game of golf to continue being segregated based on sex.

Those who are all for having  joint male and female tournaments think that it's high time that the sport of golf saw some equality. If a woman wants to play with the men, and vice versa, then they should be allowed. The game of golf is all about manners and etiquette and what is more proper than allowing women to join forces with the men in tournaments?  Moreover, when vying for a clubs top spot as the best golfer, it only makes sense that a player is being compared to all players, not just the ones that happen to be the same sex.

But there are also those who will greatly oppose this ruling, those who think that the game of golf should continue to be played along gender lines.  Difference in strength may factor into this opinion. Also, the logistics of men and women playing together in tournaments could be messy.

Women generally tee off from a different spot than men. The women's tee is closer to the hole. If men and women were to play together, would the women continue using the women's tee? Would this give them an unfair advantage? Or, should they tee off from the same spot as the men?

If more women come forward with similar lawsuits, it could turn the game of golf on its head. One also has to wonder if it could seep into other sports and what the repercussions could be for the sports world in general.  And with other sports that are considered contact sports, like hockey, basketball and football, the repercussions of allowing men and women to play together could be much graver.

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