Sussex County Golf Ltd
Piltdown Golf Club named finalist for Women in Golf Charter Club Award at 2026 England Golf Awards
Piltdown Golf Club is delighted to announce its nomination for the Women in Golf Charter Club Award at the 2026 England Golf Awards — national recognition of the club’s sustained, strategic and measurable commitment to advancing equality for women and girls in golf.
Although equality has long been part of Piltdown’s identity, the club has spent the past three years transforming principle into purposeful action.
Signing the Women in Golf Charter provided a framework for accountability, enabling the club to modernise governance, remove structural barriers and strengthen female leadership at every level.
Today, women and girls bypass the membership waiting list, and female academy members progressing to full membership no longer pay a joining fee — a significant step in tackling financial barriers.
Female influence is embedded across the club. Two of the last four Club Presidents have been women, Board representation is maintained at a minimum of 20%, and the Golf Team — responsible for all playing matters — is now 33% female.
Women also hold key operational roles, including two Heads of Department and a greenkeeper, reinforcing that female leadership belongs throughout club life.
Piltdown has modernised access by opening most historically men‑only weekend competitions to women and investing in professional support for the ladies’ section, improving engagement and retention.
The club has also reshaped its academy programme to reflect how women learn, increasing lesson access and practice opportunities.
A major breakthrough came with the introduction of a low‑cost Foundation Course for beginners. Initially targeting eight participants, the programme has now welcomed 106 women, with 77 progressing into the academy — a 285% increase.
Member “buddy” scrambles and relaxed social events have further strengthened confidence and community.
Piltdown’s commitment extends to girls’ golf, with numbers rising from 24 to 30 in a year, supported by girls‑only coaching and a new rated orange course.
The number of girls with handicaps has increased from three to 10 — a 233% rise — with one now representing Sussex County off 1.5.
Piltdown Golf Club is honoured to be recognised for its long‑term, inclusive vision and remains committed to creating a welcoming, equitable and inspiring environment for women and girls in golf.
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