Royal and Ancient Golf Club should allow women - Moynihan

 

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club must "get real" and end its ban on women members, the outgoing chairman of the British Olympic Association has said.

With golf making its Olympic return at the Rio Games  in 2016, Lord Moynihan told BBC Radio 5 live: "To me, the Royal and Ancient should change."

He pointed out that Augusta National - home of the Masters - reversed its ban on women members in August.

How ancient is the Royal and Ancient?

  • The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was founded on 14 May 1754
  • In 2004, its responsibilities as one of golf's governing bodies were devolved to a new group of companies, known as The R&A

The Royal and Ancient, based at St Andrews, was unavailable for comment.

The club, which was founded in 1754, describes itself as "the home of golf".

Following British women's success in a wide range of sports at London 2012, Moynihan believes the ban is unacceptable and wants the Royal and Ancient to change its rules.

He said: "It is remarkable that Augusta has changed, but the Royal and Ancient is still there having not entitled and allowed complete equality of opportunity for women in this country.

"It should be an embedded characteristic of 21st century sport, especially when you see the contribution the athletes make.

"Let's get real and let's get on with the job of providing equality of opportunity across sports, sports administration as well as sporting opportunity."

Eleanor Oldroyd presents 5 live Sport from the Sunday Times Sports Woman of the Year awards on Thursday, 8 November from 19:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live.