The prestigious Muirfield golf course in Scotland voted Tuesday to admit women members to the club after 273 years, immediately making the historic venue eligible to host the British Open again The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers overwhelmingly voted in favour of admitting women members for the first time by 498 to 123, club captain Henry Fairweather said.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), the sport's joint-governing body with the United States Golf Association, said Muirfield could now become a venue for the British Open once again.
Fairweather said: "This is a significant decision for a club which was founded in 1744 and retains many of the values and aspirations of its founding members.
"The rules of the club will be changed accordingly with immediate effect.
"We look forward to welcoming women as members who will enjoy, and benefit from, the great traditions and friendly spirit of this remarkable club."
The Honourable Company is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world and its Muirfield course, east of Edinburgh, is world famous.
Women have played golf at Muirfield since 1904, though only as guests, not as members.