THE decision by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club to admit women members for the first time in its 260-year history has been backed by players around the world.
Among the first to support the move was top US golfer Michelle Wie.
The 24-year-old tweeted: "R&A voted to include female members... Pretty amazing day for the game of golf!"
Ted Bishop, president of the PGA of America, also took to Twitter, writing to express his delight.
He wrote: "Great announcement by R&A allowing women members. 21st century officially arrives in golf!"
Michael Geller, an architect and developer in Vancouver, Canada, tweeted: "In case you didn't notice, big vote in Scotland yesterday. Women now allowed to join St Andrews Golf Club!"
Four-time major champion Dame Laura Davies welcomed the vote saying it could be the catalyst to inspire a new generation of players.
She said: "Women's golf is so big now that it's only right that at the home of golf, women should be members. It's good news all round.
"Times move on and I think all of them probably realise that it's a bit ridiculous in this day and age."
After a postal ballot of its 2,400 members, 85 per cent voted to admit the first female golfers into its ranks since the club was formed in St Andrews in 1754.
The club has been under severe pressure to reverse its policy, which has brought attacks from politicians and feminist campaign groups in recent years, because of its pre-eminence in the sport.
The decision will send a signal to other clubs, including the Open Championship venues Muirfield and Royal St George's in England, that excluding women from membership can no longer be justified.
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