30 Jun New era begins at Muirfield

The famous British Open venue Muirfield has formally invited women to become members for the first time in 275 years. This decision comes two years after 80 percent of the members of the private club voted in favour of updating its membership policy to include women. Prior to that vote, in 2016, the R&A removed Muirfield from the Open rota because of its exclusionary practices.

According to the club, 12 women — and three men — have been invited to join the club after July 1. “This marks a milestone in the club’s illustrious history, and we look forward to welcoming all of our new members to share in the great values and traditions of our club,” Alistair Campbell, captain of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, said in a statement.

“We are proud of our rich history, but equally excited for its future and the part all of our new members will play in the club’s cherished traditions.” Fifteen candidates were proposed and then seconded by members and five referees. The club’s membership then wrote letters of support if they personally knew the candidates or have played with them. Muirfield was founded in 1744 and required a two-thirds vote to support the move to admit women’s members. That vote fell short in 2016 (64 percent) but was ultimately passed a year later.

Out of Bounds: Old golfer Alfie McMaster goes widdly, widdly, Widdly, widdly, wee whenever he nips off to have a quick pee, he then Piddles all over his knee. He shakes it about like a bloke in Caracas, who plays in a band with a pair of maracas but still he goes widdly, widdly, widdly, widdly, widdly wee.