16 Mar 2017

Muirfield cops more flak despite admitting women

8:44 am on 16 March 2017

The world golf number three Rory McIlroy has continued his criticism of Muirfield despite the club voting to admit women members for the first time this week.

McIlroy criticised Muirfield last year when it was removed as an Open venue after chosing to maintain the ban.

Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on number 6 during the World Golf Championships - Dell Match Play Round 7 finals at the Austin Country Club Austin, Texas.

Rory McIlroy during the World Golf Championships in March. McIlroy won't be competing at Rio. Photo: Photosport

"I still think that it got to this stage is horrendous," said McIlroy.

"We'll go back and play the Open because they'll let women members in, but every time I go I won't have a great taste in my mouth."

Members at the privately owned golf club voted 80.2% in favour of updating its membership policy.

Four-time major winner McIlroy was speaking on Wednesday ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitation at Bay Hill.

"I mean, in this day and age, where you've got women that are leaders of certain industries and women that are heads of state and not be able to join to join a gold course - I mean, it's obscene.

"Like it's ridiculous. So they sort of saw sense.

On the nearly 20% who voted to maintain the ban, McIlroy said: "It's horrendous. I mean, I just don't get it.

"So anyway, we'll go back there for the Open Championship at some point and I won't be having many cups of tea with the members afterwards."