Mass. judge rules in favor of female golfer barred from playing men’s tournament

Court sides with woman in golf-discrimination case

BOSTON — An amateur golfer has won a federal discrimination lawsuit she filed after a Massachusetts municipal golf course barred her from playing in a men’s tournament.

Elaine Joyce sued the town of Dennis and others after she was told she couldn’t play in a 2007 men’s tournament at the Dennis Pines Golf Course. Joyce has a single-digit handicap and has won multiple tournaments.

U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston ruled last week that Joyce was protected under federal civil rights law and is entitled to damages and legal fees. A trial will be held on that issue.

A lawyer for the golf course said no appeal is planned. Club officials have said they changed the club’s rules to allow women to play in men’s tournaments several months before Joyce sued.