Share

Troon may open doors to women members

London - Royal Troon, one of three male-only clubs on the British Open rota along with Muirfield and Royal St George's, may start allowing women members in time for the 2016 championship.

"Royal Troon Golf Club announced today it will shortly undertake a comprehensive review to consider the most appropriate membership policy for the future," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The recommendations from this review will be presented to the membership for their consideration. It was also announced that Royal Troon will share the responsibility of hosting the Open in 2016 with the Ladies Golf Club, Troon.

"Members of Royal Troon Golf Club and the Ladies Golf Club, Troon have formed a joint championship committee and will co-host the Open on the Old Course which is shared by both clubs," the statement said.

The policy review announced by the Scottish club follows the historic decision by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in September to end 260 years of female exclusion from its famous St Andrews clubhouse.

St Andrews is regarded as the home of golf and the Scottish course has hosted the British Open, golf's oldest major, a record 28 times. It will also be the venue for the 144th edition in July.

Although women were able to play the course before September, they were generally not allowed in the clubhouse and played no significant part in the R&A.

The R&A, which separated from the club 10 years ago, controls golf everywhere apart from the United States and Mexico and runs the British Open.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE