R&A votes to allow women members
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club will for the first time in its 260-year history allow women to become members.
More than three-quarters of the club’s 2 400 members took part in the global ballot on Thursday, with more than 85% of them voting in favour of the move.
“This is an important and positive day in the history of the R&A Golf Club,” said chief executive Peter Dawson.
“The R&A has served the sport of golf well for 260 years and I am confident that the club will continue to do so in future with the support of all its members, both women and men.”
Dawson said the change would take effect immediately, with a number of women fast-tracked to membership in the coming months.
The LPGA released a statement supporting the decision.
“The LPGA is happy to hear that the members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews have voted to include female members,” it said.
“This decision is certainly a step in the right direction and one that better captures the current diversity and inclusiveness of our great game.”
Britain’s Minister for Sport and Equalities Helen Grant also welcomed the move.
“I am pleased that the members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have voted in favour of admitting women members,” she said.
“This is positive news for the sport and I hope we will now see other golf clubs that still have outdated same sex policies follow suit. With golf in the next Olympics there is a huge opportunity for the sport to grow and this sends out the right inclusive message that golf is for everyone.”
Latest
-
PGA TourJT Poston completes wire-to-wire victory at John Deere Classic
England’s Callum Tarren bogeyed two of his last four holes en route to a one-under 70 as he was forced to settle for equal-sixth place.
-
European TourAdrian Meronk makes history for Poland as David Law celebrates Open berth
Meronk’s flying finish made him his country’s first winner on the DP World Tour.
-
NewsPaul Casey becomes latest player to join LIV Golf series
He opted out of the inaugural Saudi International on the European Tour in 2019 citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
European TourAdrian Meronk has the edge as he aims to make Tour history for Poland
A third round of 68 at Mount Juliet means a one-shot advantage on a crowded leaderboard.
-
European TourShane Lowry birdies last four holes to make Irish Open cut
Jorge Campillo tops the leaderboard at the midway point.
-
European TourKeith Pelley hits back at 16 players threatening DP World Tour with legal action
Pelley says the sanctions against players who competed in the first LIV Golf event are ‘proportionate’ and ‘fair’.
-
PGA TourJT Poston takes two-shot lead at John Deere Classic
The 29-year-old also became the first player on record to open consecutive Tour events with 62 or better.
-
European TourRyan Fox surprised to be leading after opening round of Horizon Irish Open
The New Zealander carded a flawless 64 to set the pace at Mount Juliet.
-
NewsDefiant Lee Westwood does not believe playing in LIV should harm Ryder Cup hopes
Westwood doesn’t agree with penalties and sanctions.
-
NewsShane Lowry welcomes closer ties between Tours in response to threat from LIV
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced the next phase of their strategic alliance.