Less than two weeks before the club hosts the 145th Open Championship the members of Royal Troon have “overwhelmingly” voted in favour of admitting women.

The vote took place on Friday evening even though the issue had not been due to be resolved until later in the year.

Club captain Martin Cheyne said:

“I am delighted with the decision taken by members of Royal Troon and look forward to welcoming women to our great club.

We have said a number of times it is important for golf clubs to reflect the society in which we exist and the modern world that looks at them. It is the right decision for the club today and for the generations of golfers that will follow”.