Golf: Use of men-only St George's is defended

THE R&A's use of three male-only golf clubs as Open Championship venues is not affecting participation in the game, according to chief executive Peter Dawson.

The 14th staging of the world's oldest major at Royal St George's has put equality in golf back in the spotlight, with the Kent course not having any female members

"We have never really been concerned about a club's policy," said Dawson when asked if he was comfortable with that situation, which also exists at Muirfield and Troon.

"We don't use the Open for social engineering, if I can call it that. Single-sex clubs, of which there are less than one per cent in the country - both male and female - are perfectly legal under the equality act. I don't accept the argument that it seriously affects golf participation by either sex up and down the country. If it was more prevalent, then it would probably be a stronger argument."

He added: "In all the surveys I have seen it is not a major issue among golfers. Future generations might have a different view from the current generation, but clubs that have male members only is not something I am concerned about.

"I do think it is a matter for members and is a generational issue."

Commenting about this year's Open venue, Dawson said Royal St George's was "very welcoming" to women guests, both as players and visitors to the clubhouse.