Parliamentary Golf Group welcomes Muirfield decision

The All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group has welcomed The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers’ decision to admit women as members for the first time in its history.

Golf’s ruling body, The R&A had previously removed Muirfield as a host venue for The Open Championship after the club failed to change its admission rules in 2016. A two-thirds majority of members was required to make the change, with 80% of votes in favour of admitting female members.

The R&A yesterday (14 March) confirmed the vote meant that Muirfield will be reinstated to the list of courses that can host The Open.

Commenting on the decision, Co-Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group and Member of Parliament for Lincoln, Karl McCartney MP, said “I am delighted that Muirfield have voted overwhelmingly to admit women as Members. One of the All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group’s key aims is to encourage more women and girls to participate in the sport, and this decision is a step in the right direction to overcome the barriers to access that do still exist for women.”

Group Vice Chairman and Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, Corri Wilson, added “whilst it has taken a while, I am pleased that Muirfield have made the right decision to admit female members. The R&A has made clear that The Open Championship will only be hosted at clubs that allow female members, and this decision sends out a powerful message as we seek gender equality across clubs and sports organisations, but also society in general.”