Muirfield Golf Club voted to continue it’s all-male member policy, it was announced on Thursday. And the R&A responded by saying it would not stage future Open Championships at the venue. Here’s a look at some reaction from those in the golf world (note: Nick Faldo won two of his three Opens at Muirfield):
''We love playing the golf course but there’s more to modern golf than just the course. Gone are the days where you can discriminate in a club. The R&A have a bigger responsibility to society, and they’ve done the right thing.’' - Padraig Harrington, two-time Open champion
“In this day and age I just can’t understand why any golf clubs don’t allow female members. How can you not let ladies be a member of a golf club? It just doesn’t make any sense. Imagine not being able to take your wife into the golf club? It’s just not right.” - Paul Lawrie, 1999 Open champion
“I’m gobsmacked. I’m very surprised. I really am in this day and age. It’s a shame that one of the best golf courses in the world is off the Open rota.” - Thomas Bjorn, two-time Open runner-up
I fully support Martin Slumbers and the R&A's forward thinking initiatives on inclusiveness and growing the game of golf around the world.
— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) May 19, 2016
Great decision @RandA well done. About time we woke up to 2016. https://t.co/y4FSgqQ21s
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) May 19, 2016
Embarrassed to be a Scottish women golfer from East Lothian after that decision
— Catriona Matthew OBE (@Beany25) May 19, 2016
Its sad one of the great courses won’t be part of the Open Championship
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) May 19, 2016
rota for the near future.However, I fully support @RandA's decision.
Thank you @RandA for the quick and decisive decision, and for sending a clear message for/about our sport!
— Michael Whan (@USGAMike) May 19, 2016
Very disappointed at Murfields decision not to allow women members. Surely it's time they moved into the 21st century
— Laura Davies (@lauradaviesgolf) May 19, 2016