An overwhelming majority of members at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland have voted to allow women to join its ranks.
The venue for this year’s Open Championship said a recent consultation found that admitting women members was supported by over three-quarters of those who participated.
Club captain Martin Cheyne said: “We have said a number of times recently that it is important for golf clubs to reflect the society in which we exist and the modern world that looks to us. Therefore, I am delighted with the decision taken by members of Royal Troon and look forward to welcoming women to our great club. It is the right decision for the club today, and for the generations of golfers that will follow.”
Mr Cheyne added: “We can now turn our attention to jointly hosting the 145th Open Championship with our great friends at The Ladies Golf Club, Troon. We can now all be focused on golf and showcasing this wonderful club and golf course to the huge global audience that this most prestigious Championship commands.”
Reacting to the decision, a spokesman for the R&A said: “We welcome this decision by Royal Troon and recognise its significance for the club, Our focus is very much on the 145th Open but we can now look forward to many more great championships at Royal Troon in years to come.”