Canada: British Columbia golf club defends English-language policy for members

[Harold Schiffman]

 B.C. golf club defends English-language policy for members *Last Updated:
Friday, August 29, 2008 | 6:25 PM ET *
<http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2008/08/29/bc-vancouver-golf-english.html#socialcomments>
CBC
News <http://www.cbc.ca/news/credit.html>

Non-English speakers are being turned away from membership at the Vancouver
Golf Club in Coquitlam, B.C., according to general manager Brent Gough. The
exclusive Coquitlam club doesn't ban members from speaking other languages,
but insists its members be able to communicate in English so they can
understand the club's rules and regulations. "We ask them to go away and
take language courses and reapply," Gough said. While the policy isn't new,
Gough said he understands why people are asking questions now.

The Vancouver Golf Club has hosted two LPGA events in the past and is trying
to host another within the next five years. The LPGA recently announced new
English-language proficiency requirements for women on the tour, which is
dominated by Korean women. While the LPGA move to encourage golfers to speak
English has sparked controversy, the Vancouver club defends its
English-language policy. The policy was implemented about eight years ago
when immigrants from Korea, Japan, and China started applying for
membership.

"There were quite a few applications coming in with an interpreter, and the
club decided they wanted to put an end to that," Gough told CBC News Friday
morning. Gough said there is no racial tension at the club, which has an
ethnic mix of members. "It's been accepted — everyone is welcome to our club
as long as you meet our criteria," he said.  Applicants must have at least
three club members act as sponsors. They must also undergo a credit and
criminal record check and pay 25 per cent of the $65,000 full-play
membership fee.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2008/08/29/bc-vancouver-golf-english.html
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