Muirfield votes to allow women members for the first time… meaning it can once again host the Open
MUIRFIELD golf club has voted to allow women members for the first time in its history, meaning it can once again host the Open.
Some 80 per cent of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers backed the motion.
Muirfield golf club has voted to allow women membersGetty Images
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said: “Well done, Muirfield – decision to admit women members emphatic & the right one. Look forward to seeing you host the Open again in future.”
The Scottish links last hosted the Major in 2013 when Phil Mickelson stormed through the field in the final round to win his first Claret Jug.
Holding the championship is thought to be worth around £80million.
A vote in May last year to allow women fell just short of the majority needed and the course was subsequently stripped of its right to host the Open by the R&A.
Phil Mickelson poses with the Claret Jug after winning the last Open to be staged at MuirfieldNews Group Newspapers Ltd
Club captain Henry Fairweather announced the result at 11.30 this morning.
He had previously said of the “disappointment” felt by many members after the result of last year’s vote.
The East Lothian course has hosted the Open 16 times.
Among the winners on the famed track are Sir Nick Faldo, who won twice, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: “In light of today’s decision by the Honourable Company we can confirm that Muirfield will become a venue for the Open once again.
The Claret Jug will once again be contested over the East Lothian linksGetty Images
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"Muirfield has a long and important history of hosting the Open and with today's announcement that will continue.
"It is extremely important for us in staging one of the world's greatest sporting events that women can become members at all of our host clubs.
"Muirfield is a truly outstanding Open venue and we very much look forward to taking the Championship back there in the future."
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