Golf club to set tees based on ability not gender

The Royal Jersey Golf Club's general manager said it would benefit everybody [BBC] A golf club plans to change its tee structure to make the sport more competitive, inclusive and fun. In a letter to members, the Royal Jersey Golf Club said the decision marked a move away from "outdated stereotypes". Traditionally, red tees for women are further forward, with yellow and white tees further back for men.

But, from 1 April, all golfers will choose to play from silver, purple, gold or green tees, depending on their driving distance and average score. The club has said it was following guidance from the world handicap system and its governing body, England Golf. General manager Darren Atwood said: "I think it benefits everybody.

"Whether they're going to play competitive golf or social golf, they can play to the tees that suit their ability. " He explained it was good for younger players who were starting to hit the ball further, and for older golfers who did not hit it as far any more. Atwood said the response from players had been mostly positive.

The new tee colours will be silver, purple, gold, and green [BBC] Anabelle Lucas-Villar, 19, said it was "exciting", especially because she played in competitions in the UK. "A lot of the courses I play away go up to about 6,200 yards (5,670m). By comparison to here, off the current red tees, it's quite a difference," she said.