Members at Royal Troon Golf Club, the host venue of the 2016 Open Championship, voted overwhelmingly to admit female members for the first time on Friday.
The Open will begin at the Scottish course in a little under two weeks time and the vote will come as a relief to organizers, the Royal and Ancient (R&A), which appears keen leave the era of all male elite clubs behind.
The R&A recently struck Muirfield from its 10-strong list of Open courses after members there decided against admitting female members.
Royal Troon has traditionally shared its facilities with Ladies Golf Club Troon, although both have separate club houses.
“We have said a number of times recently that it is important for golf clubs to reflect the society in which we exist and the modern world that looks to us,” Royal Troon Golf Club captain, Dr. Martin Cheyne, said in a statement.
“Therefore, I am delighted with the decision taken by Members of Royal Troon this evening and look forward to welcoming women to our great club.
“It is the right decision for the club today, and for the generations of golfers that will follow.”
Many had questioned whether it was right that Royal Troon should host one of golf’s most prestigious tournament while it still had its male only membership policy in place.
Royal Troon reportedly canvassed members at the end of May to discover whether the measure to admit female members would pass before conducting Friday’s poll.