Portmarknock Golf Club votes to end its men-only membership policy

Portmarnock Golf Club has voted to end its men-only membership policy after 127 years.

A majority of members voted to change the rule which has been in place since the club was founded in 1894.

83 per cent were in favour, while 17 per cent were against.

The members were voting to change the club’s Rule 3: “The club shall consist of members and associate members who shall be gentlemen properly elected and who shall conform with the rules of amateur status.”

In a statement, the club said that “the rules and bye-laws of the club will now become gender-neutral, which marks a positive development in the club’s long and distinguished history”.

Portmarknock Golf Club has hosted several big championships but due to its male-only membership policy hasn’t staged an Irish Open since 2003.