LONDON: Scottish golf course Muirfield has lost its status as a British Open venue after voting against admitting female members, the sport’s joint ruling body the R&A announced on Thursday. A proposal to allow female members did not receive the required two-thirds majority needed, with 387 members — or 64 per cent — voting in favour and 219 members — or 36 per cent — voting against. The R&A — encompassing the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews — reacted immediately by announcing that Muirfield will no longer by selected as an Open venue. “Going forward we will not stage @TheOpen at a venue that does not admit women as members,” the organisation said in a brief Twitter statement.