THE Scottish economy could lose out on £100 million after golfers at the Muirfield course voted to reject a rule change allowing women to join.
The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns the course, voted by 397 (64 per cent) to 219 (26 per cent) on a 95 per turnout to end its male-only membership, but club rules required a two-thirds majority in favour of the measure meaning that the rule change failed by just 16.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) immediately kicked the famed East Lothian course – 16 times an Open venue – off the rota, joining another Scottish venue Turnberry which is not being considered for the Championship because of its owner, Donald Trump, and his stance on Muslims.
VisitScotland calculates that a Scottish course hosting The Open, as Royal Troon – itself set to vote on women membership – will do this summer, can boost the overall economy of the country by £100m.
Criticism of the Muirfield decision came from all quarters, both political and sporting, including condemn- ation from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister David Cameron. Sturgeon said: “This decision is wrong and indefensible. I understand and accept that, as a private club, it is for Muirfield to decide on its membership – but at a time when Scotland is a country where women can get to the top in politics, law, business and other fields, this sends the wrong signal.
“The majority of members actually voted in favour of admitting women, which is encouraging, but I sincerely hope those who didn’t now recon- sider and that the club as a whole revisits the issue.”
Cameron said: “My general rule is that sports clubs should be totally open to both sexes, and it’s outdated not to do that, particularly if you think that you’re up to hosting important championships.”
Muirfield captain Henry Fair- weather, who announced the result of the ballot, said: “Women will continue to be welcome on the course and in the clubhouse as guests and visitors, as they have been for many years.”
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and going forward we will not stage the Championship at a venue that does not admit women as members. If the policy at the club should change we would reconsider Muirfield as a venue for The Open in future.”
Scottish Golf said: “We believe every golf club has a duty to be inclusive and to reflect modern society. We hope that those who voted for change continue to make the case for the modernisation of their club.”
Scotland’s Equality and Human Rights Commissioner Dr Lesley Sawers said: “Muirfield’s decision not admit women has just cost the Scottish economy £100m.
“We believe that in the 21st century the outdated wishes of the few really shouldn’t be allowed to dictate the country’s economic interests. At a time when we are making good progress on equalities, what signal does this send to other organisations and businesses?”
Local MSP Iain Gray said the decision was a “disaster” for East Lothian and added: “Most Muirfield members voted for women members but now find themselves pariahs of Scottish golf. Surely they have to force a rethink.”
East Lothian MP George Kerevan said: “The negative impact on the reputation of East Lothian cannot be overstated and it certainly threatens the ability of the county to attract major golfing events in the future.”
Local golf star Catriona Matthew, the former Women’s Open champion, tweeted: “Embarrassed to be a Scottish women golfer from East Lothian after that decision.”
Golfing legend Gary Player backed the R&A’s decision, saying: “As much as I love and respect Muirfield as a club where I won The Open, I totally agree with the R&A that staging the championship at any venue that does not admit women as members is simply unacceptable.”
A local resident who has dined frequently at Muirfield and asked not to be named told The National that many of the members – “the snobs, mostly” – who voted no would not care about the criticism.
He said: “I suspect a good few of them don’t like The Open coming here anyway, as it causes all sorts of hassle for members.
“The big issue for others is that women might demand equal playing access and that would really annoy them.”
Locals also said they had noted increased security amid fears that the course itself may be attacked.
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