Royal Troon votes to admit female members

TROON, Scotland - Royal Troon has voted overwhelming to admit female members for the first time in the club's 138-year history.

The vote Friday evening at a special meeting comes just under two weeks before the British Open is held at the Ayrshire links for the ninth time. That leaves Muirfield as the only golf club on the Open rotation that still has a men-only policy. The Royal & Ancient has said Muirfield won't be considered for another Open under its current policy.

Royal Troon golf captain Martin Cheyne says it's important for golf clubs to reflect modern society. He says the vote was the right decision and that Royal Troon looks forward to welcoming female members.

The vote removes a potential distraction during the week of the Open.