The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich is due to host the Open Championship in July - it is a club where only men can become members.

Mike Watson, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in Scotland, has said clubs which do not give equal status to women should lose the right to host the Open because of the impact on tourism.

He said the issue had been raised last summer when the Open was held at Muirfield, another club where women cannot become members.

Unanimous opposition

But Christopher Gabbey, secretary of the Royal St George's club, said the club had been picked to host the four-day championship in July because it was the best course.

He said it was down to the club's members to decide if women should be allowed to join.

He said a survey of members in December 2001 had shown unanimous opposition to admitting women other than as visitors.

"At the moment they don't wish to include women in the membership - there was no-one actually who came forward suggesting that women should be a member."

Mr Gabbey said the policy would be reviewed each time the issue was raised by members.

Women are able to play at the course as visitors, in the same way as men, provided they book in advance and are of a good enough standard.

He said: "The Royal St George's welcomes women. We have many ladies who play the course every year."