The Washington Golf and Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, is facing backlash from more than 100 members regarding its plan to upgrade its men-only lounge as part of a $5 million renovation project. The members, including notable figures like former North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, lobbyist Susan Brophy, and US Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman, are demanding that the club’s board reconsider maintaining the outdated gender segregation at the Men’s Grill. They argue that preserving the Men’s Grill puts them in a difficult position when explaining it to their family, colleagues, and friends.
The club’s president, John Burlingame, a partner at law firm Squire Patton Boggs, has been blamed for pursuing what members call a “grossly misogynistic and outdated agenda” for the 130-year-old country club. Despite objections from members, the club leadership has pushed back, stating that there are no plans to scrap the gendered lounges. Members believe that now is the time for the board to maximize co-ed socializing spaces and create more parity between the Men’s and Women’s lounge areas. The leadership responded by stating that the renovation proposals have been in development for years and are based on member feedback.
The plan to upgrade the facilities at the Washington Golf and Country Club includes expanding the co-ed Tap Room Bar and Lounge, moving and upgrading the Men’s Grill, and adding seats to the women’s only Ladies’ Lounge without giving it a makeover. Members, including CEO Geoff Freeman, express embarrassment when trying to explain to others why the club continues to hold on to this outdated tradition. The board has informed the community that members will have the opportunity to vote on the plan’s financing and propose changes to the club’s facilities and operations through the club’s governance structure.
The club’s refusal to consider scrapping the gendered lounges has sparked criticisms from members who feel that individuals in positions of privilege sometimes get away with behaviors that would not be tolerated in their professional lives. Despite the ongoing controversy, some members have defended Burlingame, acknowledging the challenging position he is in but suggesting that he is missing an opportunity to lead the club in a critical discussion about the tradition of gender segregation. The Washington Golf and Country Club, known for its high initiation fees and years-long waiting list, is facing internal strife as members clash over the planned renovation and the preservation of the Men’s Grill. The issue has ignited a debate within the club’s community about traditions, gender equality, and the future direction of the prestigious establishment.
