Gender Policy Guide
A quick-reference guide to Golf Australia's Gender Policy, sorted by who's asking. Pick your role for the facts, the FAQs, and who to speak to if you need more.
This is an online handbook regarding the Golf Australia Gender Policy. It does not replace the Policy. Where there is any inconsistency, the Policy applies.
Effective date: 20 August 2026
Read the full Golf Australia Gender Policy (PDF) →
Understanding the policy at club level
The GA Gender Policy is binding for GA Championships and Events and for the allocation of GA Handicaps. Clubs aren't mandated to adopt it for their own competitions, but Golf Australia strongly encourages adoption to support consistency, and the perception of golf as a safe, inclusive and fair sport from grassroots to elite levels. If your club adopts it, read every reference to "GA" as a reference to your club, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Where a qualifying pathway or event runs under another entity's rules, that entity's terms of competition should also be checked, as they may differ from the GA Gender Policy.
| Area | Administrative position |
|---|---|
| GA Handicap | Trans and gender diverse players and DSD players may hold a GA Handicap consistent with their gender identity. The category cannot be changed for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years. |
| Handicap Events | No gender eligibility restrictions for trans and gender diverse players and DSD players, provided the player holds an official GA Handicap. No assessment of transition-related medical management is required. |
| Male Scratch Events | No medical eligibility restrictions apply. Before competition, a written declaration to the GA Integrity Manager is required. The declaration cannot be changed for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years. |
| Female Scratch Events | An application, eligibility criteria and approval process applies where the player's gender identity is non-binary or different to their gender assigned at birth. Further detail is set out in the full Policy. |
| Co-sanctioned events | Eligibility is determined by the applicable sanctioning body. |
Collecting information
Personal information should only be collected if absolutely necessary and with consent. A participant's gender identity should not be disclosed without their express consent. Correct names and pronouns should be used in conversations, databases, documents and correspondence.
Discrimination, harassment & bullying
Conduct on the basis of sex or gender identity is not tolerated, and should be handled under the relevant club and/or integrity processes.
How to handle a concern
Manage eligibility concerns through the applicable Policy process or club process. Direct approaches to a player during a competition should not occur. Consider confidentiality, dignity, privacy and legal obligations before taking any action.
Good faith vs. unreasonable challenges
A concern held in good faith may be considered through a reasonable, confidential and lawful process. Unreasonable or unnecessary challenges to a person regarding their gender or gender identity may create discrimination risk.
What to collect
Only collect information necessary to process the request. Don't require medical or physical information to confirm gender identity unless a specific Policy process requires it for a competition eligibility assessment.
Who should have access
Handle all information confidentially and limit access to those who need it to administer the request.
Right to use facilities matching gender identity
GA supports the right of people to use the changing and bathroom facilities which best reflect their gender identity.
GA recognises current gaps
GA acknowledges the existing difficulties many clubs face in providing adequate changeroom and shower facilities, and is committed to a facilities improvement process to enhance trans and gender diverse inclusion.
What to consider at existing facilities
Gender-neutral signage where practical, private spaces such as room dividers or shower curtains, and appropriate waste disposal in all changerooms.
What to build in for new facilities or upgrades
Private spaces so everyone can use facilities safely and comfortably, and adequate gender-neutral spaces, whether the project runs through the club, council, or another party.
Uniform choice
Players and others involved in golf may wear a uniform that's comfortable for them and aligns with their gender identity.
Team uniforms
In team-based competitions, a player's uniform should still follow the wider GA and competition attire rules for their gender identity, with design and colours as consistent as possible with their team.
Range of sizes & styles
Anyone requiring a uniform, including players, staff, officials and volunteers, should be offered a range of styles and sizes suited to different body types.
Registration forms
Member registration should offer at least Male, Female and Non-Binary as gender options.
Membership & registration
How gender information is collected and stored on forms.
Competition terms
Whether the event is a Handicap Event or Scratch Event.
Team selection policies
Ensure they align with the rules of the relevant competition organiser.
Facilities & signage
Changing rooms, bathrooms and signage — see "Changing rooms & facilities" above.
Uniform options
Attire requirements that accommodate gender identity.
Internal access
Who has access to confidential player information.
Not covered here? You don't need to have every answer
Individual eligibility and application questions don't need to be decided at club level. Golf Australia's integrity team is there for exactly that. Who to contact →
Processing a GA Handicap category change
This is a records job, not a policy judgment call. Handle it confidentially, follow the steps in order, and make sure the player understands the four-year rule before they confirm.
What you decide
Nothing about eligibility. Your role is to process the record change accurately, confidentially, and in line with what the player has requested.
What you don't need
Unnecessary medical or physical information. Don't seek it for the purpose of confirming gender identity or processing a category change.
The four-year rule
Once a GA Handicap category is set (GA Men's Handicap or GA Women's Handicap), it can't be changed again for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years. Make sure the player understands this before they confirm.
Two different contacts
Handicap category change requests go to help@golf.com.au. Policy, application or referral queries go to integrity@golf.org.au instead.
Player request
The player contacts your club's handicap or member administration contact and requests a GA Handicap gender category change.
Club receives request
Handle it confidentially. Limit information to people required to process the request, and don't seek unnecessary medical or physical information.
Confirm admin details
Confirm the member's identity and current GA Handicap record, and confirm the requested category: GA Men's Handicap or GA Women's Handicap.
Advise key effect
Advise that the selected category cannot be changed again for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years.
Submit to GA
Email the gender category change request to help@golf.com.au.
Update record
GA/Golf support processes the request and updates the handicap record in line with system requirements.
Confirm and file
Confirm completion with the player, record only necessary administrative information, and maintain confidentiality.
Competition check
For Handicap Events, the player competes according to their GA Handicap. For Scratch Events, check the Policy and event terms before entry. This flow doesn't determine that eligibility on its own.
Go-live: 20 August 2026
For events straddling go-live, the deciding factor is when entries close — not when the player entered, and not when the event itself takes place.
| Entries close | Event date | Policy that applies |
|---|---|---|
| Before 20 August 2026 | On or after 20 August 2026 | Current policy |
| On or after 20 August 2026 | On or after 20 August 2026 | New policy |
If a player doesn't meet the new policy's criteria
Where entries close on or after 20 August 2026 and a player doesn't meet the new policy's eligibility criteria, they're removed from the event with a full refund.
Facilities access
GA supports the right of people to use the changing and bathroom facilities that best reflect their gender identity. If a member raises this with you, it's a facilities question, not something to assess or approve.
Registration forms
Member registration should offer at least Male, Female and Non-Binary as gender options, so this may affect how your club's membership or handicap registration forms are set up.
Not sure if this covers a specific event? This flow is handicap administration only
It doesn't determine eligibility for Scratch Events, GA Championships and Events, or co-sanctioned events. Those need checking against the Policy and terms of competition separately. Support & contacts →
Does this affect me?
For members who play socially or off a handicap, parents, and anyone in the club who wants the plain-English version.
Non-competitive golf
The Policy doesn't apply to non-competitive golf.
Handicap Events
A player may compete consistent with their gender identity if they hold an official GA Handicap. The handicap system is what keeps this fair, not a separate gender rule.
Scratch Events
Different eligibility rules apply, because handicaps aren't used to calculate results. Some female Scratch Events require an application and approval process.
Other members' privacy
You won't be told if another member is transitioning or is transgender unless they choose to share that themselves. It isn't club business to announce.
Use respectful, inclusive language
Including a person's correct name and pronouns.
Don't confront or question directly
Never ask another player directly about their gender identity or eligibility during a competition.
Don't speculate publicly
Avoid speculating about another player's personal, medical information or eligibility.
Don't share concerns more widely than necessary
Keep any concern to the people who genuinely need to know.
Do raise concerns the right way
Only through the process set out in the GA Gender Policy or the relevant club process.
What is not acceptable
Discrimination, harassment and bullying on the basis of sex or gender identity are not tolerated. This includes conduct that is offensive, abusive, belittling, threatening, repeated, or intended to cause distress or risk to wellbeing.
Facilities & uniforms
People involved in golf should be able to use language, uniforms and facilities in a way that's respectful and consistent with gender identity, subject to applicable competition attire requirements and the circumstances of the club.
Personal information
Players should not be asked to provide unnecessary personal, medical or physical information for the purpose of confirming gender identity.
Have more questions? Support & contacts
See who to ask at club, state, or Golf Australia level for anything not covered here. Support & contacts →
Playing under the policy
Handicap Events and Scratch Events are treated differently, because they manage competition fairness in different ways. Here's how that plays out.
Handicap Events
Your GA Handicap is applied to your score. You compete in the handicap category attached to your GA Handicap, with no gender eligibility restrictions.
Scratch Events
Handicaps aren't applied to calculate results, so eligibility rules apply according to the Policy and the relevant terms of competition instead.
GA Championships & Events
GA eligibility requirements apply. For women's and girls' Scratch Events specifically, additional requirements are set out in the full Policy.
Co-sanctioned events
The relevant sanctioning body's rules determine eligibility, even where they differ from the GA Policy.
| Entries close | Event date | Policy that applies |
|---|---|---|
| Before 20 August 2026 | On or after 20 August 2026 | Current policy |
| On or after 20 August 2026 | On or after 20 August 2026 | New policy |
The deciding factor is entry close date, not event date
If entries for your event close before 20 August 2026, the current policy applies even if the event itself is held afterward. If entries close on or after 20 August 2026, the new policy applies — and if you don't meet its eligibility criteria, you'd be removed from the event with a full refund.
Have a question about eligibility? Ask through the proper channel
Questions about how eligibility works for a specific competition are best directed to your club or to Golf Australia, not to another competitor. Support & contacts →
What this means for you
For players under 18. The Policy applies at any age, but it mostly comes into play around competitions, not your everyday golf.
Is there an age limit?
No. The Policy applies to players of all ages, the same way the World Handicap System already gives players of any age a valid handicap.
Non-competitive golf
The Policy doesn't apply to non-competitive golf at all. Junior clinics, coaching, and social rounds are unaffected.
Handicap Events
You can compete consistent with your gender identity if you hold an official GA Handicap. No gender eligibility restrictions apply.
Girls' Scratch Events & Championships
You must not have experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after your 12th birthday (whichever comes first), and must have maintained serum testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for a minimum of 24 months before the event. DSD players may take part if their application is approved by GA. Approval must be received before participating.
Other players' privacy
You won't be told if a teammate or opponent is transitioning or is transgender unless they choose to share that themselves.
Which changing room can I use?
GA supports people using the changing and bathroom facilities that best reflect their gender identity.
What if my club's facilities don't have great options yet?
GA knows not every club has great changeroom setups yet and is working on improving facilities. In the meantime, some clubs add private spaces like room dividers or curtains.
Have more questions? Ask your parent, guardian, or club
Talk to a parent or guardian first, or your club's handicap or member administration contact. They can raise it with Golf Australia if needed. Support & contacts →
What this means for juniors
A guide to how the Policy applies to junior players, what does and doesn't change for their everyday golf, and where to go with a question or concern on their behalf.
Is there an age limit?
No. The Policy applies to players of all ages, the same way the World Handicap System already gives players of any age a valid handicap.
Non-competitive golf
The Policy doesn't apply to non-competitive golf at all. Junior clinics, coaching, and social rounds are unaffected.
Handicap Events
A junior player can compete consistent with their gender identity if they hold an official GA Handicap. No gender eligibility restrictions apply.
Girls' Scratch Events & Championships
Your child must not have experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after their 12th birthday (whichever comes first), and must have maintained serum testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for a minimum of 24 months before the event. DSD players may take part if their application is approved by GA. Approval must be received before participating.
Other members' privacy
You and your child won't be told if another member or player is transitioning or is transgender unless they choose to share that themselves. It isn't club business to announce.
Facility access
GA supports the right of people to use the changing and bathroom facilities that best reflect their gender identity.
If facilities feel limited at your club
GA recognises many clubs currently have real gaps in changeroom and shower facilities, and is running a facilities improvement process. Clubs are encouraged to add practical measures in the meantime, like gender-neutral signage and private spaces such as room dividers or shower curtains.
Have a question or concern? Support & contacts
See who to ask at club, state, or Golf Australia level, including how to raise a concern on your child's behalf the right way. Support & contacts →
Playing as who you are
Trans and gender diverse players and DSD players may hold a GA Handicap consistent with their gender identity. Handicap Events and Scratch Events are assessed separately, and the requirements for Scratch Events are more specific.
| Events you intend to play | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Handicap Events | You may compete consistent with your gender identity, provided you hold an official GA Handicap. There's no assessment of the medical management of transition for Handicap Events. |
| Male Scratch Events | No medical eligibility restrictions. Before competing, submit a written declaration to the GA Integrity Manager that participation in male Scratch Events most closely aligns with your gender identity. This can't be changed for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years. |
| Female Scratch Events | Where your gender identity is female or non-binary and different to your sex assigned at birth, an application to GA is required and must be approved before you participate. You must not have competed in male Scratch Events in the three years immediately before applying. |
| GA women's & girls' Championships/Events (Scratch) | You must not have experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after your 12th birthday (whichever comes first), and must have maintained serum testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for a minimum of 24 months before the event. DSD players may take part if their application is approved by GA. Approval must be received before participating. |
| Co-sanctioned events | Eligibility is determined by the relevant sanctioning body's rules, even where they differ from the GA Policy. |
What this may mean for you
Your eligibility for Handicap Events may not be the same as your eligibility for Scratch Events. If you wish to play in a Female Scratch Event covered by the application process, you must receive written approval before participating. A previous eligibility position may not continue if it doesn't meet the requirements of the updated GA Gender Policy. If you're unsure which competition category applies, seek guidance before entering.
Player request
You contact your club's handicap or member administration contact and request a GA Handicap gender category change.
Confirm details
Your club confirms your identity and current GA Handicap record, and confirms the requested category: GA Men's Handicap or GA Women's Handicap.
Reminder
You're advised that the selected GA Handicap category cannot be changed again for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years.
Submit to GA
Your club emails the gender category change request to help@golf.com.au.
Update record
GA/Golf support processes the request and updates the handicap record in line with system requirements. GA/Golf support may reach out to you for more information if required.
Confirm and file
Your club confirms completion with you. For Handicap Events, you then compete in accordance with your GA Handicap; for Scratch Events, check the Policy and event terms before entry.
Discrimination, harassment and bullying are not tolerated
This applies on the basis of sex or gender identity. Concerns about eligibility are not to be raised directly with a player during a competition; they must be handled through the process set out in the GA Gender Policy.
Want to talk it through? Reach out directly and confidentially
Applications, declarations and eligibility questions go to Golf Australia directly. You don't need to raise them through your club first if you'd rather not. Support & contacts →
What transitioning means for your golf
You may request a GA Handicap category consistent with your gender identity. It's worth understanding the sporting consequences, including a minimum four-year restriction on changing it again, before you ask your club to submit the request.
Before requesting a handicap category change
Changing your GA Handicap category doesn't automatically determine your eligibility for all Scratch Events. Eligibility for GA Championships and Events, co-sanctioned events, and qualifying pathways may be subject to additional requirements set out in the full Policy.
You contact your club
Speak with the person at your club responsible for handicapping or member administration and ask them to request a GA Handicap gender category change.
Your club receives the request
Handled confidentially, with information limited to people required to process it. You won't be asked for unnecessary medical or physical information.
Admin confirms your details
Your identity and current GA Handicap record are confirmed, along with the category you're requesting: GA Men's Handicap or GA Women's Handicap.
Advise key effect
You're advised that your selected category can't be changed again for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years.
Submission to GA
Your club emails the request to help@golf.com.au. You don't need to contact GA directly for this step.
Updated record
GA/Golf support processes the request and updates your handicap record in line with system requirements.
Confirmation and file
Your club confirms completion with you, and records only the necessary administrative information.
Competition check
For Handicap Events, you compete according to your GA Handicap. For Scratch Events, check the Policy and event terms before entry. See the table below.
| Events you intend to play | What you need to consider |
|---|---|
| Handicap Events | You may compete consistent with your gender identity, provided you hold an official GA Handicap. No medical assessment of your transition is required for Handicap Events. |
| Male Scratch Events | No medical eligibility restriction applies. A written declaration to the GA Integrity Manager is required before competing, and can't be changed for sporting purposes for a minimum of four years. |
| Female Scratch Events | An application and approval process applies where your gender identity is female or non-binary and different to your sex assigned at birth. You must not have competed in male Scratch Events in the three years immediately before applying. |
| GA women's & girls' Championships/Events (Scratch) | You must not have experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after your 12th birthday (whichever comes first), and must have maintained serum testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for a minimum of 24 months before the event. DSD players may take part if their application is approved by GA. Approval must be received before you participate. |
| Events run by other sanctioning bodies | The applicable sanctioning body's eligibility rules apply, even if they differ from the GA Policy. Confirm the terms of competition before entering. |
Want to talk it through? Reach out directly and confidentially
You don't need to have this conversation through your club if you'd rather not. Golf Australia can be your first point of contact. Support & contacts →
Who to ask
There are two real contact points for this policy: your club, and Golf Australia. Whoever you reach out to, personal information is handled confidentially and on a need-to-know basis.
Handicap or member administration contact
Start here for a GA Handicap gender category change, or any everyday question about how the policy works at your club. Your club can also submit a handicap category change request to Golf Australia on your behalf. You don't email GA directly for this.
Handicap category change requests
Submitted by your club, not by the player directly. Used to update the GA Handicap record once a gender category change has been requested and confirmed at club level.
Policy, application and eligibility queries
The right contact for: applications and declarations for Scratch Events, eligibility questions, referrals, and any policy interpretation query. This is also where a written declaration for Male Scratch Events is lodged, and where applications for Female Scratch Events or GA women's and girls' Championships and Events are submitted.
Read the full Gender Policy
This guide is a plain-language summary. It doesn't replace the Policy, and where there's any inconsistency, the Policy applies. Read the current version directly below.
Timing matters for applications
Applications for Female Scratch Events and GA Championships and Events should be lodged as soon as practicable and not less than six weeks before the event. Personal information provided in an application is handled in strict confidence in line with privacy requirements, and a medical examination for genital verification is never required or permitted.