DESPITE it costing them the prestige of hosting The Open, Muirfield will continue its policy of not allowing women to join the golf club.

While a majority of the membership were in favour of allowing female members, they did not reach a two-third majority vote. 

READ MORE: Muirfield banned from hosting The Open after voting against women members

Members of Muirfield had campaigned against women joining and sent out an extraordinary letter - claiming letting females in would "endanger our foursomes and speedy play".

Characterising Muirfield as 'a gentleman's club where golf is played', the letter went on to make the claim that any woman member at Muirfield is "bound to feel uncomfortable" - and makes the bizarre suggestion that letting in women could disrupt the club's lunch arrangements.

Then, in remarks likely to cause outrage among anti-sexism campaigners, the letter claims it would take a "very special lady golfer" to be able to perform at the same level as the club's men.

READ MORE: Muirfield banned from hosting The Open after voting against women members

Here are a few photos that show the club behind the controversy.