A EUROPEAN Union challenge to sexism at golf clubs is unlikely to cause many problems in the Bournemouth area.

Following a question by Irish MEP Proinsias De Rossa, the European Commission says a directive that bans discrimination in the provision of goods and services can also apply to providers of leisure facilities.

"This includes leisure activities such as those offered by golf clubs," said Commissioner Vladimir Spidla.

According to Clare Tyler of the English Ladies' Golf Association, restrictions on the time women golfers could play or enjoy access to the clubhouse bar particularly irritated the current generation of younger female golfers.

At Crane Valley Golf Club, Verwood, a spokesman said: "At the moment our ladies are equal to men - they pay the same fees and play the same days."

At Canford Magna Golf club, spokesman Nigel Stubbs said there was no discrimination between genders whatsoever.

"Women pay the same membership price and get exactly the same rights as men. There's there's no time they cannot play."