The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland has voted overwhelmingly to admit women members for the first time in the 260-year history of the club.
On a historic day on which the citizens of Scotland also voted to remain part of the United Kingdom, secretary Peter Dawson announced in front of the famed R&A clubhouse that 85 percent of club members voted in favor of allowing women.
“I am very pleased indeed to announce that the membership of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has voted overwhelmingly in favor of welcoming women members,” Dawson said.
“More than three quarters of the club’s global membership took part in the ballot, with a decisive 85 percent voting for women to become members. This vote has immediate effect, and I can confirm that the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is now a mixed-membership club.
“This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. The R&A has served the sport of golf well for 260 years, and I am confident that the club will continue to do so in future with the support of all its members, both women and men.”
The outcome was a foregone conclusion from the day earlier this year on which Dawson announced that all Royal & Ancient members would vote on the issue. Previously only members attending the club’s annual business meeting were allowed a vote.
