Golf Australia and PLA Webinar
Title: R&A Women in Golf Charter
Date: 6th August 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Melbourne time)
This webinar will explore the implementation and management of The R&A Women in Golf Charter and the role the golf industry is playing in driving meaningful and lasting cultural change across the sport.
The R&A Women in Golf Charter is a global initiative contributing to a broader shift in golf, one that seeks to expand the game’s reach, strengthen its future and reinforce golf as a game for life and an enjoyable pursuit for everyone. Through tangible and measurable actions, Charter signatories commit to creating welcoming and inspiring environments for women, girls and the families supporting them, while also enabling rewarding and influential pathways and careers within the industry.
Representatives from Golf Australia will share how The R&A Women in Golf Charter is being implemented nationally, the responsibilities and opportunities from an NSO perspective, and the ways the industry is evolving to foster greater participation, representation and leadership opportunities for women and girls in golf.
The webinar will also feature a case study Q&A with a volunteer-run venue currently implementing The R&A Women in Golf Charter. Venue representatives will share practical insights, challenges, successes and the changes being driven within their club through their commitment to The R&A Women in Golf Charter.
Outcomes:
By the end of this webinar, participants will:
- Develop an understanding of the purpose and intent of The R&A Women in Golf Charter and its role in driving cultural change across the golf industry.
- Gain insight into how Golf Australia is implementing and managing the Charter from a National Sporting Organisation (NSO) perspective.
- Explore the responsibilities and opportunities for clubs, facilities and industry stakeholders in creating more welcoming, inclusive and representative golf environments.
- Understand how measurable actions and strategic initiatives can support increased participation, retention and leadership opportunities for women and girls in golf.
- Hear practical examples from a volunteer-run venue about the challenges, successes and learnings experienced through Charter implementation.
- Identify ideas, strategies and actions that can be adapted within their own club, facility or organisation to strengthen engagement and belonging for women and girls.
- Engage in discussion and Q&A with industry and club representatives to deepen understanding and share perspectives on advancing women and girls in golf.
Presenters & Bios:
Virginia Irwin – R&A Women in Golf Charter Manager
Golf Australia
PGA Professional
Virginia is the R&A Women in Golf Charter National Manager at Golf Australia, leading national initiatives to grow engagement, leadership, and participation for women and girls. A highly experienced PGA Professional with over 30 years in the industry, she brings deep expertise across strategy, governance, and marketing, and is a former National High-Performance Coach and recognised among Australian Golf Digest’s Top 50 PGA Coaches.
Passionate about inclusion and innovation, Virginia works with venues, industry leaders, and government to create equitable pathways and sustainable growth. She is committed to inspiring the next generation helping to accelerate progress ensuring that the sport evolves to reflect modern values and diverse communities.
