Monitoring Desk
Muirfield golf club has voted to admit women as members for the first time in its history. Members at the privately-owned club voted 80.2% in favour of updating their membership policy.
It followed a decision by golf’s ruling body, the R&A, to remove Muirfield as a host venue for the Open Championship after it failed to change in 2016.
R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said the club would now be reinstated as an Open venue. Second Muirfield ballot on female members
“It is extremely important for us in staging one of the world’s great sporting events that women can become members at all our host clubs.
“Muirfield is a truly outstanding Open venue and we very much look forward to taking the championship there in future,” he said.
The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns and runs Muirfield, had recommended its members update their rules.
It followed consternation from many quarters at the result of the 2016 vote that failed to back female members.
At the time, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for the decision “simply indefensible”.
Following the latest vote, she tweeted: “Well done, Muirfield – decision to admit women members emphatic & the right one. Look forward to seeing you host the Open again in future.”
UK Sports Minister Tracey Crouch added her voice to those congratulating the club, but added: “The decision has been a long time coming and it was right that the R&A made clear to Muirfield that the Open Championship would only be hosted at clubs that allow women members.
“Golf has the potential to attract a more diverse audience to the game and this decision sends out an important message.
“It is vital that clubs and sports organisations play their part in promoting equality.”
Muirfield – which was founded in 1744 – had required two-thirds of its eligible voters to back admitting women.
The postal ballot of members returned 498 votes in favour of change, with 123 votes (19.8%) against.
