IOC warns Tokyo 2020 over men-only golf course

The International Olympic Committee has warned it will move the Tokyo 2020 golf event from its current venue if it does not admit women. The Kasumigaseki Country Club does not allow women to become full members or play on Sundays.

“I respect it’s a private club but our position is clear. We will only go to a club that has non-discrimination,” said IOC vice-president John Coates. “At some point there has to be a cut-off.”

However in February, club chairman Kiichi Kimura described the controversy as “annoying” after initial internal discussions had not resulted in any decision on Kasumigaseki’s membership policy. He said: “We are baffled. We agreed to host at their request, but we never made a bid.”

Kasumigaseki is one of the most prestigious courses in Japan – it costs approximately £57,000 to become a regular member.