Top women back Royal decision

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have voted in favour of allowing women members

Three of Britain’s leading women golfers are delighted that the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have voted overwhelmingly to allow female members.

In what was a historic decision, 85% of the R&A’s 2,400 members worldwide voted in favour of opening its doors to women after 260 years of having a male-only membership.

And former British Open champions Laura Davies and Catriona Matthew, along with the up and coming teenager Charley Hull, have given a thumbs-up to the result.

Davies, a four-time Major winner, said: “I think it is great news. Back when I turned pro I would never have imagined that this could ever happen.

“I think it is a huge step forward for the R&A and women’s golf and everyone will be delighted with the result.”

Matthew, who won the British Open in 2009, added: “This was certainly an easier result to predict than the other vote going on up here today.

“I think it is brilliant news and a great start to such an important day in Scotland.”

And youngster Charley Hull, 18, said in a statement: “I think it’s fantastic. I am sure it’s because the members were so impressed how amazing the women played at last year’s Women’s British Open over the Old Course.

“Golf needs to get a bit more modern and we can’t be doing with single sex golf clubs in this day and age, especially not ones where Majors are held.”