Muirfield's Open blow as female ban remains

Muirfield last hosted the Open Championship in 2013, when Phil Mickelson was victorious. Warren Little/R&A/Getty ImagesThe Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns Open Championship venue Muirfield, has voted to remain a men-only club after failing to reach the two-thirds majority required to change the club's membership policy.

Following the announcement, the R&A immediately issued a statement saying that golf's oldest major will no longer be held at the Gullane venue.

"We have consistently said that it is a matter for the Honourable Company to conduct a review of its membership policy and that we would await their decision," read the statement.

"The R&A has considered today's…