The Royal Troon Mixed Battle Heats Up

Royal Troon, the site of this year’s 145th Open Championship is facing criticism for still having a male-only membership policy.

While many are looking forward to the action sure to be happening on the links this July, others are concentrating on the club’s male-only status. Out of the 10 golf clubs used for the Open Championship only two remain men-only, Royal Troon and Muirfield. The latter looks set to have a review of this policy finalised shortly, with the assumption being female members will soon be admitted.

Royal Troon, however, has always considered itself a different species since it shares facilities with the Ladies Golf Club, Troon. With both clubs hosting The Open this year through a joint championship committee.

Captain Martin Cheyne of Royal Troon has said, “What’s important to understand with [the two clubs] is the internal relationships we have, where the ladies can play the Old Course free of charge, any day of the week and the shared facilities we have. I do talk about one venue and two clubhouses and I think it’s important we understand that.”

But even Cheyne admits, “the external world has changed in 138 years and it would be wrong not to acknowledge that and [look at] are we in a position to support the future development of golf at all ages and all genders with the current structure?”

In January of last year Royal Troon announced they would be reviewing their current membership procedures. Stating at the time they were going to “undertake a comprehensive review to consider the most appropriate membership policy for the future.” However, it was revealed last week this “review” would not be completed in time for the Open Championship. A revelation that has left some to question why the club is still allowed to hold one of the biggest events on golf’s summer calendar and why it is taking them the better part of two years to “review” its membership policy.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland last week, Maureen McGonigle of the Scottish Women in Sport Foundation said, “To have that kind of attitude and be hosting one of the top events in Scotland, I do find that quite surprising and I don’t think it is something that should happen.”

Adding, “They [Royal Troon] have to come into the 21st century and look at the benefits that women bring to a club.”

Another high-profile female not amused by the situation at Royal Troon is the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon. “I don’t think in this day and age it’s acceptable for there to be anywhere in Scotland that is off limits to women and I hope Royal Troon reflects on that.”

With the R&A taking the stance that the decision is ultimately up to the club, this issue doesn’t look like it will be resolved before July. And could possibly put a damper on what should be a shining moment for Royal Troon.