London: This year’s Open host Royal Troon voted overwhelmingly on Friday to permit women members — the last club which hosts European golf’s most historic event to do so.
The Troon members had been due to hold the vote later in the year but revised that decision after the governing body R & A withdrew Muirfield’s name from the Open hosts list when its members voted not to admit women in May.
“I am delighted with the decision taken by members of Royal Troon this evening and look forward to welcoming women to our great Club,” said club captain Martin Cheyne.
Northern Irish golf great and 2014 Open champion Rory McIlroy, who had been scathing about Muirfield’s decision, said it was a logical decision.
“It’s about time,” said McIlroy, after shooting a 66 to share the lead at the French Open.
“I said all I needed to say whenever the Muirfield thing happened, as well.
“But we’re in 2016 and it’s just time, and besides, you’ve got to move with the times.”
He added: “So it’s a good thing that Royal Troon have voted to allow women members and at least that potential cloud over The Open Championship in a couple of weeks has been moved away, and it’s a good thing.”
Royal St George’s in Kent voted last year to admit women members and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews opted to end its 260-year-old male-only membership policy in September 2014.
Troon, in Scotland, had previously considered itself a special case because it shares facilities with the Ladies Golf Club, Troon. Muirfield plans to hold another vote on female membership.
