Royal and Ancient to (maybe) admit women

The Royal and Ancient golf club has officially decided to vote on whether women should be allowed to join the club.

The club was formed 260 years ago and is the second oldest golf club in the world. However, until now it has admitted men only. In 2012, Gordon Brown asked the club to open its doors to females but until now no move has been made towards this. Last year, Alex Salmond boycotted the Open at Murayfield, describing its men-only stance as ‘indefensible in the 21st century’. However, the committees of the club have said that they are ‘strongly in favour’ of the rule change, and have asked 2400 members to support it. According to Peter Dawson, the chief executive of the R&A, the issue was ‘divisive’ and had been ‘beaten to death’. He said that ‘Society is changing, sport is changing, golf is changing, or indeed has changed, and I think it’s appropriate for the governing body to take this step.’

In a previous vote, women were denied membership but it is hoped that the committees stance on the issue will persuade members to allow women to join. According to Shona Robinson, minister for sport, Commonwealth Games and equalities, ‘This is great news for golf and sport in Scotland. It would mark a step in the right direction for the sport.’

Image courtesy of scotsman.com