The International Olympic Committee has warned that it will move the Tokyo 2020 golf tournament from the current venue if the club doesn’t start admitting women.
The International Olympic Committee has warned that it will move the Tokyo 2020 golf tournament from the current venue if the club doesn’t start admitting women.
One of Japan's most renowned courses, the Kasumigaseki Country Club, is scheduled to host the competition, but currently does not allow women to become full members or play on a Sunday. The club's board had met to discuss the issue but, after failing to reach an agreement, now risks losing the right to host the Olympics.
"I respect it's a private club but our position is clear. We will only go to a club that has non-discrimination," said IOC vice-president John Coates.
IOC vice president John Coates visited Tokyo this week and remains hopeful the event won't need to change venues, but has warned that time is running out for a decision to be made.
The club made a statement announcing that it was baffled by the IOC, bearing in mind that the organisation had originally approached them about hosting the event.
World No. 1 Lydia Ko stated the need for the Olympics to be at a venue which opened both men and women, while the Japan Golf Council - a group aimed at modernising the game - has sent the IOC a letter recommending an alternative course.
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