‘Last men-only UK golf club to admit women’

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 6, 2019 09:20

One of the oldest golf clubs in the world has announced it is to end its male-only membership policy and will allow female members for the first time in 232 years.

Glasgow Golf Club, which was formed in 1787 and is the ninth oldest golf club in the world, is thought to be the last golf venue in the UK to have a men-only policy. Most of the UK’s men-only golf clubs were located in Scotland but all the major venues have changed their policy in the last few years.

According to The Scotsman, ‘only men could join and play the parkland Killermont course in the exclusive suburb and its sister course in Irvine, Gailes Links. For decades members resisted the call to drag the club into modern life and it was only recently that youngsters under 18 were able to join.’

Glasgow Golf Club. © Twitter

However, at an emergency general meeting of the club, members voted unanimously in favour of adopting an open membership.

Glasgow Golf Club’s Killermont House clubhouse was struck by a devastating fire a year ago that gutted the listing building that dates back to the 19th century.

A temporary clubhouse has only just been opened while a £6 million renovation takes place.

‘Joining Glasgow Golf Club involves a strict process. A prospective, member needs to be proposed, seconded and six members need to sign an application book – and then the applicant is interviewed,’ adds the paper. ‘Fees are around £2000 per annum – with a hefty joining fee on top.’

A number of Scottish clubs, including the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Royal Troon, Royal Aberdeen, Panmure Golf Club, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers have opened their doors to women members in the past few years. The last of those opened its doors to female members just a few months ago.

One of the last major men-only UK golf clubs to admit women

 

Women welcomed to 275-year-old golf club for first time

 

Alistair Dunsmuir
By Alistair Dunsmuir November 6, 2019 09:20
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8 Comments

  1. Skye May 21, 09:10

    Formby Golf club is still a men only golf club but on the same estate there is also Formby Ladies golf club. The system works brilliantly as each club has its own course, both ranked in the top 100 in the UK.

    Reply to this comment
    • Mens rights too December 15, 08:09

      How about men and women joining each club and not just about women joining men’s clubs

      Reply to this comment
      • Mungmung October 11, 23:28

        Ofcourse anything I say here is in jest and purely to poke a little humour into the ‘hole’ debate no pun intended just a poor spelllller So let’s start with the obvious and discuss the acronym GOLF! Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden! Ouch the brigade will be stoking the fire for that one. There’s always the old sexist favourite ‘have you no housework to be getting on with’?…. but all jokes aside its ludicrous in these times to seriously think about women not being apart of any golf club. I would add that women can be equally annoying as men when it comes to etiquette on the course, please look over your shoulder now and again and call the 2 ball through that are pitching a tent on every Tee Box behind you.
        But as we now enter the most bizarre period in time for both men and women we need to brace ourselves for what is coming very soon! The period I am referring to is the, dare I say it? The Woke brigade. If allowed this runaway train is going to open a Big can of worms.
        I am a member of a rather prestigious club and as a male my green fees are considerably higher than that of a female for the same return. So what if I identify as a woman when my green fees are due? Will I be afforded the lesser green fees? Will the women members accept me entering, changing, showering and relaxing in their change rooms?
        Think about that people!

        Reply to this comment
  2. Skye May 21, 09:10

    Formby Golf club is still a men only golf club but on the same estate there is also Formby Ladies golf club. The system works brilliantly as each club has its own course, both ranked in the top 100 in the UK.

    Reply to this comment
  3. Smith July 12, 06:50

    No more mens only golf clubs yet plenty females only clubs yet women say its a man’s world ya don’t make me laugh

    Reply to this comment
  4. IW June 11, 15:40

    Glasgow Golf Club was thought to be the last UK golf club to adopt open membership?

    It may be you were considering only clubs which prior to change were always men-only.

    But if not, may I offer a second thought? Blackwell Golf Club in Worcestershire was a mixed club for over a century, but in 2001 changed to men-only, to the consternation of both its ladies and many of its men when they learned what had been done.

    Reply to this comment
  5. Scott November 7, 23:24

    I look forward to access to the 20+ female-only golf clubs asap.

    Reply to this comment
    • Smith July 12, 06:48

      No more mens only golf clubs cause females complained that its sexist yet plenty females only golf clubs bit one sided is it not and women say its a man’s world

      Reply to this comment
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