The incident that occurred during Ladies’ Day cannot reasonably be characterized as a “prank.”

Masked individuals approaching the lodge while carrying what appears to be weapons goes beyond a "prank". 

Regardless of intent, this conduct was threatening and disruptive, and it violated not only the sense of safety and exclusivity that members expected when attending an event specifically organized for them, but also the Club’s Code of Conduct. 

While not all attendees were aware of their presence, the potential trauma experienced by those who believed they were facing a real threat of violence is largely absent from the Club’s public response. The individuals were intercepted by a member before the situation could escalate further, limiting the potential impact on the broader group. Yet the masked members were able to approach the lodge with apparent weapons and peer into the windows without being stopped by staff, forcing those present to react in the moment to what they reasonably believed was a dangerous situation. Some members now bear the burden of justifying their reactions.

In addition to the fear and confusion experienced in the moment, we are simply angry. Ladies’ Day is a longstanding tradition meant to provide a welcoming and relaxed environment for women in our club community. The decision by the male members to insert themselves into that space in a disruptive way shows a disregard for the boundaries of that event and for the people attending it.

While the incident occurred during a women’s event, the concern extends far beyond the women who were present that day. Many members of the club — including men — have expressed alarm and disappointment upon hearing what occurred.

We expect that our spouses, friends, and family members can attend club events without being subjected to intimidation or fear, even as part of a supposed joke. This is about the culture and standards of our entire club community.

What occurred was not harmless mischief. It was a situation in which members reasonably believed they were facing a threat of violence. 

We ask for the following: 

• Publicly reframing the incident to acknowledge the presence of masked individuals displaying weapon-like objects at a member event is not a "prank". 

• Clarifying the Club’s policies regarding masks, imitation weapons, or conduct that simulates threats anywhere on club property.

• Ensuring that future events of any kind—whether Ladies’ Day, family events, or other member gatherings—are protected by clear expectations applicable to all members upheld through our Code of Conduct.

Members expect that their Club will uphold the standards of safety and conduct that define our community. Situations that introduce the appearance of violence into Club events cannot be minimized or dismissed. We ask the Club to address the concerns outlined above and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the safety, trust, and wellbeing of all members.