The decision to allow women become members of Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin is a “strong signal that women and girls are welcome in Irish golf.”
Members of the historic club this week voted to change the men-only policy that has been in place for 127 years.
More than 83% of members voted in favour of the change.
The club said its rules and bye-laws will now become gender-neutral and it now looks forward to welcoming women as members.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly said it is “never too late to make the right decision.”
“It is a very positive decision for Portmarnock, he said. “It is a positive decision for Irish golf.”
“It is a strong signal that women and girls are welcome in Irish golf and we really look forward to this decision being implemented in the time ahead and women joining the membership of Portmarnock.”
'Dramatic change'
He said golf has undergone a “dramatic change” over the past 20 years.
“In the vast, vast majority of our almost 400 golf clubs on the island, women are full voting members,” he said. “There are a small number where that is not yet the case.
“Yes, in the past, like a lot of other walks of life and sectors of society, women were not treated equally and fully valued and welcomed.
“Golf has moved on from that. The vast majority of golf clubs have long since moved on and it is something we really welcome.”
Boycott
Portmarnock is world-renowned course that has hosted the Irish Open on numerous occasions.
It last held the championship in 2003 when the Irish Women’s Council called for a boycott over its men-only policy.
There are now hopes the championship could return – with some speculation that the British Open could now come to Dublin for its first-ever edition outside of the UK.
“It would be a wonderful occasion for Irish golf,” said Mr Kennelly.
“We all remember the scenes in Royal Portrush two years ago when Shane Lowry won the Open Championship. It has never taken place in the Republic of Ireland and if that were to happen in the future that would be a massive occasion for the country.”
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