Designing inclusion in golf with ability-based tees at Spring Park

Golf has a rich tradition on the Melbourne Sandbelt and the team at Spring Park Golf Course are constantly thinking of new ways to improve the experience for golfers in this proud region. The team have recently introduced an ability-based tee system that reflects the evolving needs of today’s golfers.

Newly designed golf tees give players the opportunity to choose a starting point that best suits their ability, experience and preferred challenge, creating a more enjoyable and rewarding round for everyone.

While traditional gendered (“men’s” and “women’s”) tee classifications have long been part of the game, an ability-based approach recognises that golfers have different playing strengths, regardless of gender or age.

By shifting the focus from who a golfer is to how they play, Spring Park is helping make the game more accessible and inclusive without compromising the challenge and traditions that make golf special.

The initiative is informed by community consultation and delivered in partnership with Parks Victoria.

Improving the experience for beginner golfers

Jack McDonald, National Golf Programs Manager said the initiative shows how relatively simple operational changes can have a significant impact on both participation and customer experience.

“By shifting the conversation from gender to ability, we’ve created a more inclusive environment that reflects the values of our community, reinforcing our commitment to making golf accessible and welcoming for everyone.”

After analysing their player base, management identified a significant proportion of golfers at Spring Park are new to the sport, with many playing from tees which make the course unnecessarily difficult. This brought flow on effects such as reduced enjoyment and slowed progression.

It was recognised that many experienced golfers, including several highly skilled female players, would also benefit from playing from longer tees that better reflected their ability and provided an appropriate challenge.

18-year-old Spring Park Member, Hailey Phan, is one of the players benefitting from the new ability-based tee system and said it gives her added flexibility to choose the challenge she wants on the day.

“Having grown up playing some of Melbourne’s leading Sandbelt courses, I think Spring Park has done a fantastic job of creating a welcoming, ability-based golfing experience.”

Designing an inclusive and welcoming game for all

Three new gender-neutral tee sets were established and named after native plant species found throughout the region to align with the local environment and the values of Parks Victoria.

These tees are named Acacia (yellow – Handicap 0-9), Banksia (blue – Handicap 10-20) and Cassinia (white – Handicap 21+). Each of these species of flora can be found on the golf course or in Braeside Park, a short walk from the course.

Hailey added:

“If I play from the Acacia tees, the extra length and the course’s beautiful tree-lined fairways make me think more strategically and really test my game. I love that the tee names reflect the local flora and environment.”

Clear handicap recommendations were implemented to guide golfers towards the most appropriate tee choice and reinforce the ability-based approach.

Now, golfers at Spring Park are encouraged to play from the tee height that best matches their current ability, increasing their likelihood of ongoing participation.

The introduction of these tees reflects Belgravia Golf Management, Belgravia Leisure’s dedicated golf management arm’s commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible golf experiences that encourage participation and remove barriers to entry.

To learn more about Spring Park, visit the website.

Key facts:

  • Spring Park Golf Course has introduced a new ability-based tee system designed to create a more inclusive and accessible golfing experience for players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
  • The initiative replaces traditional gender-based tees with a gender-neutral approach that encourages golfers to select tees based on their playing ability
  • The project was informed by community consultation and delivered in partnership with Parks Victoria
  • The new tee system aims to improve confidence, enjoyment and participation
  • Clear handicap recommendations have been implemented to help golfers choose the most appropriate tee and enjoy a suitable level of challenge
  • The initiative reflects Belgravia Golf Management, Belgravia Leisure’s dedicated golf management arm’s commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible golf experiences that remove barriers to participation and support lifelong enjoyment of the game.