R&A hit back at men-only venue criticism

Peter Dawson today defended the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's continued use of men-only venues for The Open.

Royal St George's, a private club, restricts membership to men, as does Muirfield in Scotland who will host the Open in 2013.

The R&A's policy of taking one of world sport's most prestigious competitions to clubs such as these is known to anger Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, who was expected to be among the galleries following today's first round.

But Dawson, the chairman of the R&A, hit back and said: "Quite frankly, it is a matter for clubs what their membership policies are. There are very few single sex clubs in golf in Britain today - far less than half of one per cent."

He shrugged off a suggestion that the R&A, who regard themselves as guardians of the game, might be embarrassed by a policy critics have labelled as "discriminatory".

Dawson added: "We are aware of the issue. But I also believe people have a right to determine their own freedom of association.

"If it was a huge thing in Britain and was really hampering growth of the game and the introduction of more women playing the game, I would be concerned about it. But I'm quite sure it's not doing that."

He did, however, hint that a major shift in public opinion - possibly driven by the growing interest in golf inspired by a new breed of young stars such as US Open champion Rory McIlroy - could force clubs to re-consider restrictive membership lists.

Dawson said: "I think it is a generational thing. As new people come through, they will have to take a view about how they want their club to be run."