PROTESTS over a ban on girl golfers from some competitions have been blasted as ‘pathetic’ by one senior figure in Essex golf.

The Ladies captain at Essex Ladies County Golf Association (ELCGA) has come forward to defend its decision to ban girls under the age of 16 from inter-club competitions from next year.

The move has whipped up a storm of protest and was recently debated on radio BBC 5 live.

Skipper Janice Hazledine says it is for the good of the girls’ education, because many of the proscribed events take place in school hours.

She believes pushy parents are making children play too much golf.

But opponents have called the move sexist, illogical and say the Association has exceeded its powers.

This week, Mrs Hazledine told the Guardian the ban is here to stay.

“We have reviewed the decision twice. We will not be looking at it again. It was a democratic decision. We’re not going to be browbeaten into submission over this. It’s disgusting and tasteless.

“These competitions do not do anything for these young girls. They should be playing in the Essex Championships and the Eastern Championships. But they are being told to take time off to play in these nothing tournaments.

“They’re not important enough to take time off school for, but some parents think they are the be all and end all. You get these trophy parents who are mis-led by the captains, who want to plump up their teams with these girls.”

She called on angry opponents to back down.

“It’s going to harm the game because we are amateur ladies and these people (objectors) are doing a lot of harm.”

The decision has drawn fire from across the golf fraternity.

Kirsty Jennings is equality officer at the English Women’s golf association. It is a ruling body, but cannot overturn the decision.

She said: “We do not agree with it at all. This is not the sort of image we want for women’s golf.

“Different generations should be able to play together. It’s good for the children. I really believe this is something that parents and schools should decide.

“I know some ladies find it hard to play with children, it’s not what they want to do in their free time. Some find losing hard to cope with, some take it on the chin.”

Mrs Hazledine has denied the move is designed to spare senior players defeat to junior players.

Linda Elridge, junior organiser at West Essex Golf Club, wants youngsters to be able to play too.

“The girls could go to another county which does not have this rule,” she said. “Our club is in a vulnerable position because girls could go across to clubs like Bush Hill Park.”