R&A CEO leaves the door open for Muirfield

Muirfield's decision to hold a second ballot on admitting female members has "delighted" the head of the R&A, and the door is clearly at least ajar for the course's return to the Open roster – if the vote goes the right way.

Chief executive Martin Slumbers took Muirfield off the Open rota when a vote to change its all–male membership policy failed to gain the required two–thirds majority last year.

Slumbers told BBC Sport that Muirfield's "closeness with the Claret Jug is very important".

The result of the latest ballot is expected to be published next month, and the door is clearly open for Muirfield to return to The Open roster if, as it surely will, the vote goes the right way.

Slumbers said Muirfield not overturning its all–male membership policy last year had been damaging for the game.

"I think it created a lot of negative press," he said. "We need more positive views of this wonderful game and growth that is going on in the game.

"I'd like to see far more of those stories, plus I do believe that if we are going to grow participation in the game, family golf is at the heart of that strategy."

In a wide ranging-–interview, Slumbers also:

Backed calls for the Tokyo club scheduled to stage the next Olympic golf tournament to have unrestricted membership for women.

Insisted President Trump's Turnberry remains on the list of Open venues.

Admitted the post–Brexit crash in the value of the pound is exerting pressure on the Championship's prize fund.

Called on all golfers to make sure they shout warning cries of "fore" if there is a danger of their ball striking someone else on the course.

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