Bruntsfield Links could be next in line to end men-only membership

● Glasgow Golf Club also understood to be reviewing its position over women

Bruntsfield Links, the fourth oldest golf club in the world, looks as though it will be the next one in Scotland to end its men-only membership policy and the equally historic Glasgow Golf Club might not be too far behind.

In the wake of Royal Aberdeen voting in favour of admitting women members earlier this week, The Scotsman has learned that Bruntsfield Links, which was founded in 1761, is at an advanced stage in the same process.

“Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society is currently undertaking a strategic review to ensure it is appropriately positioned in the 21st Century,” said Dougie Cleeton, the chief executive officer at the Davidson’s Mains club. “This includes addressing the matter of introducing the category of ladies’ membership, for which a consultation with members has shown there is support.”

Royal Aberdeen, the sixth oldest club in the world, received overwhelming support from members at a special meeting on Tuesday after it adopted the same approach, using a survey in the first instance.

“Anyfutureproposedchange to the club’s membership policy will need to be approved by 75 per cent of members entitled to vote,” added Cleeton of what needs to happen for Bruntsfield Links to open its doors to women. “There is no definitive timescale, but the matter is being reviewed currently and is live.”

The Scotsman understands that a change in the men-only membership policy at Glasgow Golf Club, which was founded in 1787, is also being considered at present. It owns two courses, Killermont in Glasgow and Gailes Links in Ayrshire.

The R&A has made no secret

0 Open regional qualifying was staged at Bruntsfield Links in Edinburgh between 2011 and 2015 of it now being reluctant to host events at courses owned by men-only clubs and both Gailes Links and Bruntsfield Links have been used by the game’s governing body quite frequently in the past.

Gailes Links has staged final qualifying for the Open Championship on a number of occasions, including the last four years in a row, while Bruntsfield Links was used for regional qualifying for golf’s oldest major between 2011 and 2015.

Over the years, the Capital course has also hosted the Boys Amateur Championship three times – Peter Alliss played in 1946 and Sandy Lyle was in the field in 1975 – as well as a Senior Amateur Championsip.

In addition to Bruntsfield Links and Glasgow Golf Club, Royal Burgess Golfing Society and Western Gailes are the only high-profile men-only clubs left in Scotland. Royal Burgess, the oldest club in the world having been formed in 1735, had a proposal to admit women members rejected in 2013 after less than a third of its membership supported it in a referendum.

Its next-door neighbour now looks as though it could be on course for a different outcome. While raising eyebrows by appointing someone from outside the sport for a second time, Eleanor Cannon is confident she’s landed the right man in Andrew Mckinlay as the new Scottish Golf chief executive.

Mckinlay, who succeeds Blane Dodds after his move to Tennis Scotland, is leaving the SFA, where he has worked for the last six years, most recently as chief operating officer/ interim chief executive, to take up the post.

Before joining the SFA, he worked in legal services for the Clydesdale/yorkshire Banks for five years, before becoming head of operations for a company called Property Solutions.

“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew as our new chief executive,” said Cannon, chair of the governing body. “Throughout the process his experience, enthusiasm and vision stood out from a hugelyimpressive field of candidates. We were particularly impressed by the range of responsibilities in football, especially in overseeing an equality and diversity strategy at all levels.

“Increasing girls’ and women’s participation is a priority for Scottish Golf and his expertise will be vital to our future growth strategy. Andrew is passionate about golf and his experience working in sport and business will be integral to taking our strategic plan forward.”

Mckinlay is not due to take up his new post until May, meaning he will not be in place for next month’s annual general meeting. Proposals on the table at it could include an increase in the affiliation fee paid by club members.

“As a keen golfer, I know the many benefits of playing golf regardless of age, gender or ability,” said Mckinlay. “I realise a lot of hard work has been undertaken already to increase participation and accessibility to golf. “Having attended December’s Future of Golf conference in Edinburgh, I believe the passion and collective will throughout the membership gives us a terrific foundation on which to build a bright future for our game.”