The R&A has voted to allow women members for the first time.
As the eyes of the world watch Scotland decide its political future, the focus of golf establishments around the globe was on St Andrews.
The decision, which followed a controversial ballot by the the Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s 2,400 members, ends two-and-half centuries of division in Scottish golf.
R&A secretary Peter Dawson said: “I am very pleased indeed to announce that the membership of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has voted overwhelmingly in favour of welcoming women members.
“More than three quarters of the club’s global membership took part in the ballot, with a decisive 85% voting for women to become members.
“This vote has immediate effect and I can confirm that the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is now a mixed membership club.Comment: So easy, you think they’d have done it sooner“The membership has also acted to fast-track a significant initial number of women to become members in the coming months.
“This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.
“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.”
Up until now women have been allowed to play golf at the Old Course as it is administered by a separate operation but female players were not permitted to drink or socialise in the clubhouse afterwards.
Now, however, women members of the club, which is to host the Open again next year, will finally be able to have a say on the running of the game, as members of the R&A’s various committees can be drawn only from official members.
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