Muirfield votes to admit female members; reinstated back on The Open rota

Muirfield is back on The Open rota after voting in favour of allowing female members.

Ten months ago the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers voted against allowing female members into their club, based at the famed Muirfield Golf course in Scotland. Subsequently, the R&A decided it would no longer be considered as host venue The Open, even though only St Andrews has hosted the world’s oldest major on more occasions.

But yesterday, the members voted again and this time they got a clear two-thirds majority to accept female members that club captain Henry Fairweather described as a “significant decision”.

The previous vote had missed out by just 16 votes to get the two-thirds majority needed to change the membership policy, this time an 80.2% voted in favour of allowing female members.

In light of the decision, the R&A quickly reinstated their place on The Open rota; most likely to host again in 2022 or 2023. But it may be some time though before we see the first female member of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers due to a long waiting list.

“We look forward to welcoming women as members who will enjoy and benefit from the great traditions and friendly spirit of this remarkable club.” said Fairweather.

“The current waiting list for membership at Muirfield suggests that new candidates for membership, women and men, can expect to wait two or three years to become a member of the club.”

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