The LET is delighted by the announcement that Members of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG), the world’s oldest golf club, have voted in favour of women as Members of the Club.
A two-thirds majority of those who voted was required to make the change that has immediate effect. The result of the postal ballot of members, independently scrutinised by Electoral Reform Services, was 498 votes (80.2%) in favour of change, 123 votes (19.8%) against. 621 votes were counted, a 92.7% turnout. The Club owns and plays at Muirfield.
Ivan Khodabakhsh, the Ladies European Tour’s Chief Executive Officer commented:
“The Ladies European Tour is extremely pleased to hear that the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers has voted to include female members and will begin to restore the reputation of the club following the disappointing ballot result last May. Sports reflect the values of the society in which we live and today men and women have equal rights. We believe this should be reflected not only in top level international tournaments but also at club level.”
Catriona Matthew, Ladies European Tour Member said:
“I am delighted to hear that the outcome of this second vote at Muirfield has come down in favour of embracing women members. I think this is another positive step, both for Muirfield and for golf as a whole, and I think the progress the R&A has instigated since opening its own doors in 2014 has been very important for the game.”
