Royal & Ancient Golf Club votes to admit female members

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews has voted overwhelmingly to admit female members for the first time.

The club, exclusively for men since it was founded in Scotland 260 years ago, released a statement Thursday saying 85 percent of those who took part in the ballot voted in favor of allowing female members. The club has a worldwide membership of 2,500.

Peter Dawson, secretary of the R&A, says "the membership has also acted to fast-track a significant initial number of women to become members in the coming months."

The Royal & Ancient, whose famous clubhouse overlooks the Old Course at St. Andrews, allowed a vote by proxy for the first time.

This comes two years after Augusta National, site of the Masters, changed its policy on women members. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore, a business person from South Carolina were admitted as members.

The LPGA put out a statement after the announcement by the Royal & Ancient: "The LPGA is happy to hear that the members of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews have voted to include female members. This decision is certainly a step in the right direction and one that better captures the current diversity and inclusiveness of our great game."

The PGA of America also put out a statement: "Women have played and will continue to play an integral role in the game of golf. In fact, women represent the biggest growth market in the sport, and every step to make golf more inclusive is good for the game. The PGA of America is thrilled that the R&A is welcoming women into its organization, and loudly applauds its decision."