After discussing the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's vote to allow women members on BBC Breakfast News this morning, W&G's editor Alison Root is delighted by the positive result.
It has taken 260 years, but the membership of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has now voted overwhelmingly in favour of welcoming women members.
More than three quarters of the club’s global membership took part in the ballot, with a decisive 85% voting for women to become members.
This vote has immediate effect and I can confirm that The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is now a mixed membership club.
The membership has also acted to fast-track a significant initial number of women to become members in the coming months.
Peter Dawson, Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club said:
This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. The R&A has served the sport of golf well for 260 years and I am confident that the club will continue to do so in future with the support of all its members, both women and men.
W&G's Editor, Alison Root, who joined the BBC Breakfast News show earlier today to discuss the debate said:
This is the result we were hoping for as it will have a positive impact on the sport by sending out the right message that golf is inclusive, it's a game for everyone.
