A SECOND ballot on allowing female members at Muirfield will not take place this year.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers had been expected to hold a second ballot “before the end of the year”, according to a club spokesperson.

That came after members voted in May to reject proposals for women to become members at the club in Gullane – the oldest golf club in the world.

An independently scrutinised postal ballot recorded a vote of 64 per cent in favour of the resolution and 36 per cent against, on a turnout of 95 per cent of members eligible to vote, with a two-thirds majority required for change.

The decision to continue not to accept female members was widely condemned, including by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and local politicians.

The R&A, which organises The Open Championship, also stated that Muirfield would no longer host the event – which last came to the county course in 2013 – until it changed its policy.

In July, the club committee announced a second ballot would be held, with a decision expected before the New Year.

However, last week, a club spokesman told the Courier there would be no decision until 2017.