Troon Ladies 'not under threat' after membership vote
The Ladies Golf Club at Troon is “not under threat in any way”, officials there have stated following Royal Troon’s decision to admit women members.
Freda Bunch, captain at the Ayrshire club, said nothing would change in the relationship between the two outfits.
On July 1, Royal Troon voted “overwhelmingly” to admit women members following a special general meeting.
The vote had been moved forward after Muirfield were kicked off the Open rota following their decision to continue to exclude women from the Edinburgh club in May.
They came under huge criticism in the aftermath and have since announced their intention to hold a new ballot.
The R&A welcomed the decision from Royal Troon members and added they recognised “its significance for the club’.
It had raised questions about the future of the Ladies club, which was founded in 1882 and whose clubhouse overlooks the championship course and the Portland.
But Mrs Bunch said: “We had our own vote to see how the members felt. 96 per cent of the membership wished to remain with the status quo.
“We have a very good relationship (with Royal Troon). We can play the course more or less anytime we like and we are very happy with the situation. We like to have our own independent club.
“Royal Troon have opened membership up for ladies and anyone who wants to join the club can go through the due process. Members may wish to join but I think very few will do.”
Members have been helping out on the course, hosting and assisting in left luggage as the Open returns to Royal Troon for the first time since 2004.
Mrs Bunch added: “Nothing will change as it stands. I can’t state about 20 years time at the moment. Michael Cheyne (Royal Troon captain) and I have had many conversations and the relationship will be the same.
“That relationship has been going on since the ladies club was formed and I don’t think anything will change at all.
“There will be no change to what we pay and our club is not under threat in any way. Our club is very special and, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
“One or two may want to become members over there but the majority are very happy. We are looking forward to the future.”
