Troon to conduct review of male-only membership policy

The door is slightly ajar as golf, it seems, may finally be entering the 21st century. A bit late, perhaps, but better late than never.

Last year, the R&A said that it was ending its male-only membership policy - an event that is long overdue for an organisation that oversees the game and is responsible for staging The Open Championship. Note, that's The "Open", not The Closed.

It has been heavily criticised for continuing to stage its jewel in the crown at courses that stick to men-only memberships policies, including Muirfield, Royal St George's and Royal Troon.

Well Troon, at least, finally seems to have got the message that things need to change, and has just announced that it will undertake a "comprehensive review" of its male-only membership policy.

It follows September's decision by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrewsto end its men-only policy.

Troon has also announced it will share responsibility for hosting the 2016 Open Championship with the Ladies' Golf Club, Troon, by forming a joint championship committee. Wonders will never cease! The 2016 Open will be the ninth to be played at the Ayrshire course.

Troon is one of three clubs on the Open Championship rota with a male-only membership policy.

Muirfield is reviewing its membership criteria with a report to be completed by March 2015, while Royal St George's is "considering its position" on the matter. Royal St George's once staged a Curtis Cup match during which signs featured on the course saying "No Dogs" and "No Women".

Troon has always considered itself a special case in this respect as it shares facilities with the ladies' club.

But, in a statement, Troon said it will "undertake a comprehensive review to consider the most appropriate membership policy for the future" and added "the recommendations from this review will be presented to the membership for their consideration". It is to be hoped that this will open the floodgates.

How can golf thrive when so many courses operate closed-door policies?