Royal Troon votes to end men-only policy

RoYAL Troon members have voted to allow women to join for the first time in the golf club’s 138-year history.

Last night, at a special general meeting, around 360 of its 800 members ‘voted overwhelmingly’ with a show of hands to change the controversial men-only policy.

It comes just two weeks before the open Championship is held at the Ayrshire course and is set to heap yet more pressure on members of Muirfield, East Lothian, to follow suit. Royal Troon club captain Dr 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 this evening and look forward to welcoming women to our great club.’

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson and Scottish Labour chief kezia Dugdale have all condemned Royal Troon over its men-only policy. Miss Davidson and Miss Dugdale said they would boycott the open unless the rules were changed.

Last night’s decision means the spotlight is on Muirfield, which rejected a proposal to allow women to join the club in a vote on May 19. The decision led to the R&A, which runs the open, to remove the East Lothian course from the rota to host the competition.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which runs Muirfield, revealed plans to reballot members earlier this week.

Commenting on the decision of members from Royal Troon, a spokesman for the R&A said: ‘We welcome this decision by the membership at Royal Troon and recognise its significance for the club.’

Miss Sturgeon tweeted last night: ‘A victory for equality and common sense. Well done, Royal Troon. Hopefully Muirfield will follow suit.’

ROYAL TROON has voted ‘overwhelmingly’ in favour of allowing women to become members of the club. The Ayrshire links, which is set to host the Open Championship later this month, passed the vote at a Special General Meeting last night. The club announced in January 2015 that it was to undertake a review of its membership policy, with particular focus on their male-only policy, and a resolution was originally expected at the end of this season. However, after the R&A removed Muirfield from The Open rota in May due to its male-only membership policy, Royal Troon announced it was to speed up the process ahead of hosting this year’s championship on July 14-17. Royal Troon captain, Dr Martin Cheyne, said: ‘It is important for golf clubs to reflect the society in which we exist and the modern world. I am delighted by the decision and look forward to welcoming women to our great club.’ Last night the R&A tweeted: ‘We welcome the decision by Royal Troon to admit women as members.’