Muirfield will return to the Open Championship rota after the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns the course, voted to "end their centuries-old ban on women members," according to Alasdair Reid of the LONDON TIMES. The result of the vote in favor of equality was announced by club captain Henry Fairweather, just 10 months after the membership had "rejected the same proposal in another ballot." Last May, 64% of the membership had voted in favor of gender equality. However, "the second vote has now been passed," with 80.2% expressing approval. The postal ballot produced 621 votes -- a 92.7% turnout. In total, 498 members voted for change, with 123 against, "meaning that women will be allowed to join the course" for the first time since it was established 273 years ago. Fairweather: "We look forward to welcoming women as members who will enjoy, and benefit from, the great traditions and friendly spirit of this remarkable club" (LONDON TIMES, 3/14). In London, Murad Ahmed reported "while the vote will have immediate effect," the club said its current waiting list suggests that new membership candidates "can expect to wait two to three years, or longer." Fairweather: "Our members felt very strongly that we should not be doing anything artificial or manufactured to progress women more quickly than men. They should be equal in every respect." The R&A estimated that the 2013 Open at Muirfield was worth £20M to the East Lothian area (FINANCIAL TIMES, 3/14). In London, Alexandra Topping reported the R&A confirmed the vote had enabled Muirfield to be put back on the list of 10 courses that can host the British Open. It said, "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 great sporting events that women can become members at all of our host clubs" (GUARDIAN, 3/14). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Muirfield has had a male-only membership policy since the HCEG was founded in 1744. Women are allowed to play there (REUTERS, 3/14).
WELCOME DECISION: In Edinburgh, Martin Dempster reported Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted, "Well done, Muirfield - decision to admit women members emphatic & the right one. Look forward to seeing you host the Open again in future." Catriona Matthew, the long-time Scottish women's No. 1 who lives in North Berwick said, "I am delighted to hear the outcome of this second vote at Muirfield has come down in favor of embracing women members" (SCOTSMAN, 3/14). The BBC reported U.K. Sports Minister Tracey Crouch "added her voice to those congratulating the club," but added, "The decision has been a long time coming and it was right that the R&A made clear to Muirfield that the Open Championship would only be hosted at clubs that allow women members. ... It is vital that clubs and sports organizations play their part in promoting equality" (BBC, 3/14). The PA's Phil Casey reported Ladies European Tour CEO Ivan Khodabakhsh said in a statement, "The Ladies European Tour is extremely pleased to hear that the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers has voted to include female members and will begin to restore the reputation of the club following the disappointing ballot result last May" (PA, 3/14).
