Royal Troon Golf Club has hinted that it may be ready to admit women members sooner than expected.
The host of the Open in July, currently an all-male club, had previously indicated that a membership review would not be complete prior to the championship. That would have meant in all likelihood the Ayrshire club would be the last Open host not to have become a mixed club.
However a statement from the club and quoting captain Martin Cheyne indicated that the review was more advanced than had been anticipated, saying that all 800 members were being sent letters seeking their views of admission of women.
“As we look forward to jointly hosting the Open Championship later this summer, the Committee of Royal Troon Golf Club continues with its process regarding the Club’s Future Membership Policy,” Mr Cheyne noted in the statement.
The Committee was “cognisant of the recent articles in the press and social media, the public discussion surrounding the club, and the statements made by senior politicians,” about Royal Troon’s status.
“We care very much for the reputation of Royal Troon Golf Club and it is important that the club, much like the wider game, reflects the modern society in which we exist,” he continues.
“We have today written to all of our members to understand their views and feelings on the issue of the admission of women to the Club. We expect to have a clearer sight of those opinions in the weeks ahead and will make further statements in due course.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among leading figures who said they would not attend the Open this July if Royal Troon remained an all-male club.
