New women’s vote to go-ahead at Muirfield

Muirfield Golf Club's committee is seeking to hold a new ballot on admitting female members a mere six weeks after a controversial vote, which kept the club male only.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG) announced the surprise move on Monday morning, claiming a "decisive vote" in favour of accepting women would help to restore its tarnished reputation.

Two-thirds of the HCEG were required to vote in favour of changing the policy but fell just short, with 64% voting yes.

Muirfield’s club committee has confirmed that it will now seek approval at a special general meeting to hold a fresh postal ballot before the end of 2016.

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."

Too right Mr. Fairweather: but so much damage has already been done that it will need more than a yes vote to remove its pariah status. And if I were the R&A I wouldn’t be rushing back to having Muirfield on the open roster. A period of penance is surely required.

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