Muirfield has a lot to do before The Open returns
MUIRFIELD’S decision to finally accept lady members is little more than a small step in the right direction.
There is still a lot of making up to do for the club in the eyes of the general public. The fact that this had to go to a second vote won’t be quickly forgotten.
I think they missed a big trick last Tuesday by not accepting straight away a couple of honorary female members.
Catriona Matthew would have been perfect. She comes from nearby North Berwick and has been a wonderful ambassador for Scotland and ladies golf.
When Augusta first admitted ladies, they welcomed former US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, and businesswoman Darla Moore – two ladies of real influence.
The R&A included Dame Laura Davies, Annika Sorenstam and HRH Princess Anne in their first intake of female members.
Muirfield stated that any women wanting to join will have to follow the same procedures and protocols as the men for membership.
So the message is loud and clear: “Get to the back of the queue”.
That is an appeasement to the near 20% who voted against the change. That is still quite a significant minority.
The fact The R&A had said the club could no longer host The Open was a major factor in the different outcome this time.
When you’re not on The Open rota, you are quickly forgotten. The kudos of hosting the greatest championship in golf carries a lot of weight. That is why visitors are desperate to play there.
The great winners down the years – Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Sir Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson – have established the club’s reputation, not the members.
I was a bit disappointed The R&A announced straight away that Muirfield was back on the list for future Opens because I don’t think it should be quite as easy as that.
By its very name, The Open should be open and inclusive to all. If you want to host the tournament, you have to share those values.
As yet, Muirfield doesn’t have any female members and it doesn’t allow juniors, either. That is not growing the game.
Rory McIlroy spoke up for most people in golf when he said that he wouldn’t enjoy going back there in future.
He lived with prejudices and barriers as a youngster in Northern Ireland and has no time for things like this. That’s understandable.
Rory’s status in the game gives him a platform to speak his mind and people listen. On this topic, he’s spot on.
In this day and age, when we have a female Prime Minister and a female First Minister, it really is nonsense for an “exclusive” golf club to bar people because of their gender.
Common sense has prevailed at Muirfield. It’s just a pity they needed a mulligan to do so.