The “Honourable” Company of Edinburgh Golfers is an ironic joke after today’s vote on admitting women members.
Admitting women to the all-male enclave at Muirfield is a tiny issue. It involves minimal disruption to the club, nor indeed to Royal Troon.
The whole argument against women members at these clubs is simply “because we don’t want to.” There is no other serious debate to be made than that.
And solely for the selfish right to set their face against public opinion and continue their incongruous and anachronistic habits, they’re defiantly prepared to humiliate and damage the sport they profess to love and want to protect.
Fortunately, and in some ways remarkably, the R&A moved swiftly, casting Muirfield adrift. It was a decision they didn’t really have to make until the end of the decade, when the venue’s “turn” in The Open rota next came up.
But at least one of golf’s great institutions cares for the reputation of the game.
I'm intrigued by whatever it is some Muirfield members think might make women uncomfortable in their club. Is there a secret BDSM chamber?
— Steve Scott (@C_SScott) May 18, 2016
This tiny, puerile issue is more important to HCEG members than The Open, the reputation of golf, and the good of the sport. #muirfield
— Steve Scott (@C_SScott) May 19, 2016
Think those 10-12 members want their vote again now? Class calling of the bluff by the R&A. Well done. #muirfield
— Steve Scott (@C_SScott) May 19, 2016
The R&A didn't have to act; #muirfield not due The Open until 2023 at earliest, so they could have just filed it. Good that they didn't.
— Steve Scott (@C_SScott) May 19, 2016
See also: Muirfield removed from Open rota after vote against admitting women members
