St Andrews looks to admit women
The 168-year-old St Andrews Golf Club is considering changing its constitution to comply with equality law
An all-male club in the historic home of golf could be changing its rules to admit women. The 168-year-old St Andrews Golf Club is considering changing its constitution to comply with equality law.
Last year's Act does not ban single-sex clubs, but does not allow private clubs to discriminate on the basis of gender.
In a letter to members, club officials wrote that a ban on women could be a "retrograde step" and set out options.
The letter, excerpts of which were printed in The Courier newspaper, reads: "Firstly, it could operate as at present with members and their male guests being permitted to use the members' lounge.
"This would result in no lady guests being permitted at all in the clubhouse, as all guests must be given the same rights of access under the Act."
The second option would see the members' lounge used for members only.
Officials reportedly recommend that members back a third option, which allows members and guests into all public areas of the clubhouse whatever their gender.
The letter adds: "After much consideration and discussion, as well as a meeting with the past captains and trustees of the club to make them aware of the position, the committee of management is recommending that option three be adopted as the best way, in their opinion, of safeguarding the long-term wellbeing of St Andrews Golf Club."
The proposed changes will be discussed at a meeting next month.
The club was founded in 1843 and was called St Andrews Mechanics' Golf Club. It is based at The Links, in a Victorian mansion overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course.
Honorary members include golfer Jack Nicklaus, known as the Golden Bear, and Paul Lawrie, the Scot who won the Open Championshi! p at Car noustie in 1999.
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