Observer: Muirfield Membership Policy Is A "Tragedy"

An Observer editorial had me until they wheeled out the tragedy word in describing Muirfield's membership policy of not admitting women.

If Muirfield similarly discriminated against blacks, Muslims or gays there would be a UK-wide outcry. So why is discrimination against women allowed?

With a few notable exceptions, golf writers have been acquiescent in this anti-women prejudice, while no pampered golf professional would ever let a principle get in the way of a pay cheque. And as far as the sponsors are concerned, well … ethics and profits simply don't mix.

The Scottish government is proud of the fact that thousands of boys and girls are taking up golf. It's criminal that they will come to know the sport they love treats women as lesser beings. That many will carry these attitudes into adulthood is more than a crime – it's a tragedy.