The world’s oldest golf club has been "stripped of the right to hold the Open championship after keeping its ban on women members," according to Mike Wade of the LONDON TIMES. The men of Muirfield voted 397 to 219 in favor of "allowing women to join, just short of the two-thirds majority needed for the required rule change." The R&A, golf’s governing body, "reacted instantly, removing the East Lothian course from its Open roster." Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the decision as "simply indefensible." Her predecessor Alex Salmond declined to attend the 2013 Open, held at Muirfield, "because of the club’s bar on women." Club captain Henry Fairweather said that he had "supported the proposal to permit women members but would respect the outcome of the vote." He said he was "disappointed" by the result but equally "disappointed that [Sturgeon] is taking as strong a view as that. But I understand it and I am not surprised" (LONDON TIMES, 5/19). In London, Libby Brooks reported R&A CEO Martin Slumbers responded "almost immediately with a statement saying the championship would not be held at a venue that did not admit female members." Slumbers: "The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and going forward we will not stage the championship at a venue that does not admit women as members. Given the schedule for staging the Open, it would be some years before Muirfield would have been considered to host the championship again. If the policy at the club should change we would reconsider Muirfield as a venue for the Open in future." Revealing the "depth of hostility felt by some Muirfield traditionalists towards the admission of women, it emerged that a group of about 30 members had written anonymously to fellow golfers before a ballot, urging them to reject the change." Sturgeon encouraged the club to revisit the issue, and said, "I understand and accept that, as a private club, it is for Muirfield to decide on its membership -- but at a time when Scotland is a country where women can get to the top in politics, law, business and other fields, this sends the wrong signal" (GUARDIAN, 5/19).
'BOUND TO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE': In London, James Corrigan wrote the letter form 33 "traditionalists" makes the claim that any woman member at Muirfield is "bound to feel uncomfortable" -- and makes the suggestion that "letting in women could disrupt the club's lunch arrangements." The letter claims it would take a "very special lady golfer" to be able to perform at the same level as the club's men. The letter states, "The introduction of lady members is bound to create difficulties. ... We are criticised by some for being 'elitist,' but if we are that is entirely due to a membership selection process which emphasises an overriding requirement that prospective members appreciate and accept our traditions" (TELEGRAPH, 5/19). Also in London, Gaby Bissett reported U.K. PM David Cameron also "weighed into the issue," insisting sports clubs should be "open to all." Cameron: "My general rule is that sports clubs should be totally open to both sexes, and it's outdated not to do that, particularly if you think that you're up to hosting important championships." East Lothian MP George Kerevan has "written to the club and urged it to hold a second ballot" after labeling the decision "utterly selfish." He said, "It also tells young women in our schools that their interest in the sport is being discouraged by some, and it sends a very wrong message to young men about treating women as equals." The Equality & Human Rights Commission said that "the decision could cost the Scottish economy" £100M ($146M) (DAILY MAIL, 5/19).
TWO PEAS IN A POD: In London, Jack de Menezes wrote Muirfield "remains one of just two golf courses on The Open Championship roster to reject female members, along with Royal Troon -- which has written to its 800 members to raise the possibility of a similar vote after hosting this year's Open in July" (INDEPENDENT, 5/19). The BBC reported Fairweather said, "Women will continue to be welcome on the course and in the clubhouse as guests and visitors, as they have been for many years." English golfer Melissa Reid, twice a member of Europe's Solheim Cup team, described the decision as "embarrassing." Reid: "You know it was an opportunity for Muirfield, but they've wasted it. I think that the decision the R&A have made to postpone the Open being there is a good one. I wouldn't play there, because I'd be going against what I believe." Scottish Golf said that it was "disappointed" with Muirfield's decision. In a statement, it said, "We believe every golf club has a duty to be inclusive and to reflect modern society. We hope that those who voted for change continue to make the case for the modernisation of their club" (BBC, 5/19).
