Spectators at the 2019 Solheim Cup will have free access to period products, as the biggest competition in women’s golf joins the fight against period inequality.
This move makes the event the first large golf competition to make sanitary products accessible and completely free for spectators.
The cup, which is fully funded by the Scottish Government and will see the top female golfers from Europe and the USA face each other in team competition, takes place at Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course from September 9-15.
The introduction of free period products at the event mirrors a greater awareness of the issue across sport. Across the UK, the On the Ball campaign has led the fight for free period products at football grounds. Having started their campaign at Celtic Park, 91 clubs – including ones in England, Wales, Ireland, Germany, Brazil and the United States, are now “On the Ball”.
The group, comprising female fans Orlaith Duffy, Mikaela McKinley and Erin Slaven, has warmly welcomed the move by Solheim Cup organisers.
A spokesperson said: “We are delighted to see that the Solheim Cup team has made the decision to provide free period products for fans. It is the biggest competition in the world in women’s golf and it’s fitting that they are leading the way in the sport.
“We’re delighted that this is happening this year, here in our home country at Gleneagles.
“We faced opposition when we started our campaign, but people now understand the impact lack of accessibility to period products can have on women’s lives and in particular experiences at sporting events.”
