Muirfield to hold new ballot on female members

Muirfield has announced that it wants to hold a fresh ballot before the end of the year to decide whether or not to admit female members.

The venue voted against lifting its ban on women in May and as a result came in for fierce criticism, with the R&A stating that it would not stage another Open Championship while the decision was in place.

The club needed a two thirds majority to amend its rules on admission when it held its initial ballot on 19 May. However, only 64 per cent voted in favour of allowing women members, which meant that no changes could be implemented.

HCEG Captain, Henry Fairweather said: “A substantial majority of our members voted for change and many have voiced their disappointment with the ballot result and with subsequent events. The Club Committee believes that a clear and decisive vote in favour of admitting women as members is required to enable us to begin the task of restoring the reputation of the Club that has been damaged by the earlier ballot outcome.”