After failing to gain the two-thirds majority vote needed to change its membership policy to allow females, Muirfield Golf Club in East Lothian has lost the right to host The Open Championship.
It is a decision that has left golfers (both professional and amateur), politicians and people around the world stunned. After a nearly two year review members at the exclusive Scotland club fell short of admitting female members by just 14 votes. A result that many including World Number Three
Rory McIlroy and Scottish Golf Hall of Famer Catriona Matthew have labeled truly disappointing.
Matthew tweeted she was, “Embarrassed to be a Scottish women golfer from East Lothian after that decision.”
The 2009 Women’s British Open champion later told Sky Sports News HQ's Sportswomen show, “It’s just not good for golf in Scotland, it sets a poor image of Scottish golf. Obviously Muirfield are a very small section of Scottish golf, but with all the coverage this is getting all around the world it’s just not good for golf in Scotland.”
The R&A’s response was swift and firm, the private club would no longer be allowed to host The Open Championship, stating they would not stage the event “at a venue that does not admit women as members.” Their statement went on to say that if Muirfield’s policy were to change they would reconsider the club again in the future.
“Bigger picture, it’s a great golf course, but there’s so many other great golf courses that we play on the Open rota that we’re not going to miss one. I think it’s more their loss than it is the R&A’s or our loss,” said McIlroy.
Graeme McDowell echoed the sentiments of his compatriot last week stating, “I completely understand the R&A’s decision. This is an equal opportunity world, we’re trying to grow the game.”
With the number of golfers still in steady decline around the globe the decision at Muirfield last week definitely doesn’t help the sport’s desire for new players or its need for a fresh and modern image. But maybe that’s exactly what the members of Muirfield were trying to stifle.
