EQUALITY campaigners have urged the venue hosting this year's Open gold tournament to "come into the 21st Century" and begin admitting women members.
Royal Troon, which will stage the prestigious tournament this July, is one of only two potential Open venues who do not allow women to become members.
The other is Muirfield in East Lothian.
Maureen McGonigle, of the Scottish Women in Sport Foundation, said the policy was outdated.
In an interview on BBC Radio Scotland, Ms McGonigle said: "To have that kind of attitude and be hosting one of the top events in Scotland - I do find that quite surprising and I don't think it is something that should happen.
"I think discrimination in any form, in this day and age, should not be allowed. There has got to be equality throughout.
"They [Royal Troon] have to come into the 21st Century and look at the benefits that women bring to a club."
She added that female golfers would "take their money elsewhere".
Royal Troon is currently reviewing its all-male membership policy.
It shares facilities with the Ladies Golf Club in Troon and both clubs are sharing the responsibility of hosting the Open via a joint championship committee.
Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of championships at the sport's Royal & Ancient governing body, said: "I think it has been well documented that Royal Troon is reviewing its membership.
"The R&A look forward to its outcome.
"It is really a matter for the club to carry out that review and we can only wait for the outcome and handle it when that review comes out."
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