A decision to ban junior girls from playing in ladies competitions at Thonock Park Golf Club in Lincolnshire was overturned last week, when the club’s owner, Ping Europe, stepped in.
Junior girls were set to be banned from entering ladies’ trophy and cup competitions at the Gainsborough-based venue after ladies at the club voted to restrict them to competing among their own age group.
Ping, whose European headquarters are in Gainsborough, owns nearby Thonock Park Golf Club
The decision caused outcry on social media, and the result of the vote was brought to the attention of the club’s owners, equipment brand Ping, whose European headquarters are based nearby.
Thonock Park, previously known as Gainsborough Golf Club, has two 18-hole courses, Thonock and Karsten Lakes, with the latter named after Ping founder Karsten Solheim.
In a statement on the company’s decision to revoke the vote, John Clark, Ping’s European managing director, wrote: “Last week, a ladies’ meeting was held at Thonock Park and a proposal was voted on to change the criteria used to determine eligibility to play in ladies’ competitions. The proposal would have prevented junior players from entering ladies’ trophy and cup competitions. Upon hearing news on the result of this vote, Ping immediately revoked the proposal and have it very clear that it goes completely against the values, principles and philosophies of Ping and would never permit this to go ahead.”
He continued: “At a time when golf clubs in general need to reach out and welcome new golfers, a change of this nature could only serve to impede Thonock Park’s ability to remain strong and continue offering a first-class membership package to all golfers. Ping will continue working very closely with the committees of Thonock Park to ensure the club provides every member with the highest quality experience.”
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