ONE of Scotland's most elite golf clubs has been condemned for its "appalling" ban on female players.
Muirfield in East Lothian, which charges up to £250 a day for a game, hosts The Open next year, but still refuses to admit women.
Known formally as The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield, the club was yesterday branded "out of touch" for its controversial males-only membership.
The criticism followed the decision of top US club, Augusta National, Georgia, to end its ban on female players.
Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman condemned Muirfield and said it was time for the club to follow suit.
"It's completely wrong that Muirfield is still men-only, especially after a brilliant summer of women's sport," she said. "It's old-fashioned, out of touch and if Augusta can open its doors to women members, it would be embarrassing if Muirfield didn't follow suit."
Scottish actress Elaine C Smith added: "I'm appalled by Muirfield on so many levels, but I suppose outside a gay disco or a circus, this is the only place men can wear a lavender V-neck and tartan trews without being laughed at by women.
"But I think it is quite sad we have this last bastion of another age in Scotland."
The Scottish Government, while not naming Muirfield, said: "Augusta National's decision to admit women members is a positive move forward for women's sport. Ministers believe all golf clubs should be open to more men and women."
Other Scottish clubs which continue to refuse to admit women include the home of golf itself, St Andrews in Fife, and Royal Troon, South Ayrshire.
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