The decision to maintain a ban on women members by one of the world’s most iconic golf clubs is sad. To its credit the R&A has reacted swiftly by confirming that Muirfield will never again host the Open as long as its policy of discrimination remains. Royal Troon, venue for the Open 2016, also discriminates against women and unless it changes will find itself on the side lines in future. Three-time Open champion Padraig Harrington was quick to applaud the ruling body’s stance. “The R&A have done the right thing for the bigger picture. They lead golf on a world stage and they have a responsibility to general society not to condone it or to drift along as if it’s not happening. Muirfield may go ahead and say we want to just be a small golf club and mind their own business and that’s fine, but minding their own business isn’t holding the Open is it?” As Portugal celebrates 125 years of golf and promotes the sport as an all-inclusive activity it is appropriate that discrimination in any form is seen as totally unacceptable.
