One more Open venue abandons ‘men-only’ rule
Royal St George’s has lifted its ban on female members for the first time in its 128-year history.
The Sandwich club had been one of three clubs on the Open rota with a men-only membership policy and last hosted the event in 2011, with Darren Clarke claiming the Claret Jug.
In a statement, the club said it was looking forward to welcoming ladies as junior and full members following a vote which saw 90 per cent of members in favour of altering the rules.
‘The alteration of the club’s rules has immediate effect’ Royal St George’s has hosted the Open 14 times.
Two Open venues continue to have male-only membership policies – Muirfield in East Lothian and Royal Troon in South Ayrshire.
Muirfield is reviewing its membership criteria with a report due to be completed this month, while Troon announced in January that it would be undertaking a “comprehensive review” of its membership policy.
Scrutiny of the clubs on the Open rota intensified following last September’s decision by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews to end its 26-year-old male-only membership policy.
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