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Royal St George's golf club ends 128-year 'no women' rule Royal St George's golf club ends 128-year 'no women' rule
(35 minutes later)
An Open golf venue in Britain has lifted its ban on female members for the first time in its 128-year history.An Open golf venue in Britain has lifted its ban on female members for the first time in its 128-year history.
Royal St George's in Sandwich had been one of three clubs on the Open rota with a men-only membership policy.Royal St George's in Sandwich had been one of three clubs on the Open rota with a men-only membership policy.
A "decisive" 90% of members voted in favour of altering the Kent club's rules and allowing women to join with immediate effect.A "decisive" 90% of members voted in favour of altering the Kent club's rules and allowing women to join with immediate effect.
In a statement, the club said it looked forward to welcoming ladies as junior and full members.In a statement, the club said it looked forward to welcoming ladies as junior and full members.
'Right decision''Right decision'
It has hosted the Open 14 times, with the last tournament in July 2011.It has hosted the Open 14 times, with the last tournament in July 2011.
Professional golfer Jason Barnes, from Kent, welcomed the decision to end the previous policy.Professional golfer Jason Barnes, from Kent, welcomed the decision to end the previous policy.
"Obviously, it is the right decision," he said."Obviously, it is the right decision," he said.
"Golf needs to be brought up to date. I wish them the best of luck with it.""Golf needs to be brought up to date. I wish them the best of luck with it."
James Bond author Ian Fleming was captain-elect at Royal St George's before his sudden death in 1964.
The course was said to have inspired his idea for a golf showdown in the 007 classic Goldfinger.
Two remaining Open venues in Scotland have male-only membership policies - Muirfield in East Lothian and Royal Troon in South Ayrshire, which has separate men's and women's clubs.Two remaining Open venues in Scotland have male-only membership policies - Muirfield in East Lothian and Royal Troon in South Ayrshire, which has separate men's and women's clubs.
At the end of January, Royal Troon announced that it would "shortly undertake a comprehensive review to consider the most appropriate membership policy for the future".