Sports Minister, Nigel Adams, has signed the R&A's Women in Golf Charter making the UK government the world's first to pledge to make the sport more inclusive.

The Women in Golf Charter intends to lead an industry-wide commitment to make the culture of golf more inclusive, especially for women and girls.

Signing the Charter means the UK government must commit to building initiatives that encourage girls to play golf, become members of golf clubs and enjoy successful careers in the industry. 

The announcement comes just before the 16th-edition of the Solheim Cup begins at Gleneagles in Scotland on 13th September. 100,000 fans are expected to travel from around the world for the country's biggest sporting event of 2019.

Nigel Adams spoke of his excitement for the competition ahead: “The course is prepared, the scene is set and expectation amongst the fans is building. I am delighted that the Solheim Cup is returning to Scotland this week, for the first time in almost twenty years.

“This is a major opportunity to inspire a new generation of young people - particularly girls and young women - to take up the game, as well as promote Scotland as a host of major sporting events and leading visitor destination to the world.”

During his time as Sports Minister, Adams has expressed his commitment to increasing participation in sport, especially for women and girls. 

"We must capitalise on the success of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and Netball World Cup and continue to bang the drum for women’s sport at every opportunity, pushing for greater participation, employment and commercial opportunities and visibility in the media.

“The coverage of the Solheim Cup and the R&A’s work can only help, so I am pleased to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to supporting this fantastic sport through The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter,” he said

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, emphasised the governing body's desire to ensure women are given a place within the sport and feel included in the game.

“It is so important for the long-term future of golf that we attract more women and girls into the sport. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow participation by making golf more accessible and family-friendly. 

“The Women in Golf Charter brings together key bodies within golf to unite behind a shared vision for bringing more women and girls into golf. We welcome the support of the UK Government and hope it will encourage more golf clubs throughout the country to get on board.”