"There’s no hiding from the fact it is embarrassing for the sport to have a governing body who don’t have any women members"
It can't be of comfort to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews to have the ultra conservative Daily Mail now wondering when you are going to admit a female member following recent calls from noted UK sports figures (here and here).
Derek Lawrenson praises Billy Payne, recounting last year's Masters press conference, and writes:
Peter Dawson, the R&A’s chief executive, believes this subject to be simply a Press obsession, that most golfers couldn’t give two hoots, and he’s at least partly right. Most golfers couldn’t care less.
But it doesn’t make the R&A’s stance right. There’s no hiding from the fact it is embarrassing for the sport to have a governing body who don’t have any women members, and that will not change until the R&A do. It’s all well and good to allow juniors to attend The Open for free but what message are you sending out if you then take the event to clubs that don’t allow juniors to join?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 10:59 PM
Reader Comments (8)
And another comment on the topic: there are many golf holes that a normal 18 handicap woman player simply can't play. Methinks macho men architects are to blame.
Such as?
"...it is embarrassing for the sport to have a governing body who don’t have any women members" - well, it can't as it's not a golf club. it does have female members of staff, mind.
They are trying to sell newspapers/drive web hits, and, like talking abt Tiger, this gets attention?
They are ultra left wing, and just cant stand clubs?
Are jealous that they will never get into an exclusive club?
The R and A should set the media buffet out in the clubhouse for the next few Opens, and watch the complaints drop...
With grammar like that, maybe The Daily Mail could use a woman editor in its own house... <g>
"Formed in 2004 and based in St Andrews, The R&A seeks to engage in and support activities that are undertaken for the benefit of the game of golf and, despite deriving its name from the members’ club, is separate and distinct from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews."
So chaning the gender makeup of the The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has zero affect on the "governing body" known as the R&A.
Frank asked Such as?
Sports- actually now in the 21st century it's quite hard to name many since women box, wrestle, top level darts or Formula One motor racing I think.
Male only pursuits SEAL activities perhaps. Masonry. Does the KKK have women?