The R&A Lifts 260-Year Ban on Female Members

The R&A Lifts 260-Year Ban on Female Members
Scotland managed to win one yes vote last week with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews deciding to allow female members for the first time in its 260-year history.

All 2,400 members of the R&A were asked to vote by postal ballot on an issue that had become a source of heated debate over the last few years.  By Thursdays deadline, 85% of the votes were for the inclusion of women.  Seen by many as an incredible step forward for womens golf.

This decision is certainly a step in the right direction and one that better captures the current diversity and inclusiveness of our great game, the LPGA said in a statement.

While the R&A chief executive, Peter Dawson added, This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.

An interesting turn around for the man who had stated just last year that, For some people, its [a male-only golf club] a way of life that they rather like.

Whether it was a true change of heart or ever-growing pressure from outside forces, including big sponsors, Dawson urged members to do whats right for golf. And it looks like they did.

With a few male-only clubs still remaining in the UK, it is now hoped the decision taken by the R&A will urge other golf clubs to review their own single-sex policies.


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