WSFF blast 'absurd' exclusion
The Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF) has branded the policy of staging the Open Championship at clubs which have a male-only membership as "absurd" and "embarrassing."
This year's Open is being held at Muirfield, one of three courses on the nine-strong Open rota - Royal St George's and Troon being the others - not to allow women members.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is among the political figures who have said they will not attend this year's event in protest, but chief executive Peter Dawson admitted it would take a "hard push" for the R&A to change its stance.
The WSFF is urging the public to contact Open sponsors to ask them to withdraw sponsorship unless the policy changes and chief executive Sue Tibballs said: "It is clear that the R&A is totally out of step with public opinion and with the vast majority of golfers in the country.
"Muirfield's sexist membership policies are absurd in the 21st century, and holding the Open at a club that bans women members is damaging to the sport. A number of golfing bodies are working very hard to break down the traditional perceptions of the sport and encourage a new generation of female participants, and these clubs do nothing to help that cause.
"It is frankly embarrassing that out of all the major golf tournaments in the world, the Open is the only one hosted by a club that doesn't allow women to be members. This kind of policy is outdated, out of touch and it's bad for golf."
Asked if the debate had put off sponsors, Dawson said: "We are very fortunate to have a very strong and growing group of patrons and official suppliers.
"I think those companies value being associated with the oldest major championship in golf and being associated with everything the R&A do with the commercial success at the Open Championship. That's not to say of course that those companies are not aware of these wider social issues. And as I say, we'll be thinking about these things in the months ahead."
Dawson stressed that did not amount to a "review" of their position, but a statement from First Minister Salmond read: "I welcome reports the Royal & Ancient is to reconsider its position on men-only clubs.
"For the organisers of golf's oldest major championship to undertake this is a step in the right direction which will also be welcomed by everyone who loves the game. Scotland is proud of its tradition as the Home of Golf. However, if we are to be the future of this great game it is only right we have equality between men and women.
"I will not be at Muirfield but wish everyone involved all the best for a great tournament. My views on single-sex golf clubs are well-enough known, but I'm certain this year's Open, at arguably the best golf course in the world, will be another fantastic advert for Scotland."
