The national award recognises clubs across the country that lead by example and display initiative to help the sport grow with strong leadership towards gender equality and overall long-term systemic change.

"We've been acutely aware of some of the issues facing the golf sector," club president Phil DeAraugo said.

"Some of the things we've been doing is laying the foundations for future participation of women in golf which includes changing our constitution so our board structure has equal positions for men and women.

"We've also introduced gender neutral competitions so men and women can play together."

NPGC women's captain Jenny Brown said there had been significant growth towards the club's goal of overall gender equality.

"It's now far better as we previously had two committees who didn't share minutes or let each other know what was going on.

"I've been on the board when there's been less women and I've particularly enjoyed this year as women together are a little bit braver."

Brown also praised the introduction of gender neutral weekly competitions.

"We've been having open competitions and recently had our first female winner of a monthly medal on a Saturday which we were all excited about," she said.

"This shows that women can compete with men."

In addition to long-term changes towards gender equality, DeAraugo said Neangar Park had been recognised for its other initiatives - including the introduction of a pitch 'n' putt course.

"Both the pitch 'n' putt and driving range are two big projects that are helping drive people into the game," he said.

Brown said the driving range and pitch 'n' putt were other great avenues to attract new players the sport.

"The driving range is a fantastic way to introduce people, especially women, to golf and then once we're on the pitch 'n' putt it will increase enjoyment for everyone."

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NPGC general manager Joe Sinnott said it was common sense for the club to seek greater gender equality in golf.

"After seeing all the statistics on how little participation there is when it comes to females - it needed to be improved on," Sinnott said.

"We then made the decision to work on improving it the best we can."

NPGC is one of four clubs named as a finalist, with the overall winner to be decided by the golf community.

Voting is now open at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VisionaryVoting.

Poll closes Sunday 6PM.

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