The club, one of the most renowned in Britain and the venue for the 2011 British Open Championships, had been one of just three to maintain a men-only membership policy, a stance that has received much criticism in recent years.

But in a ballot in which 81 per cent of the club's male membership participated, 90 per cent voted in favour of the club altering their rules.

The change will take effect immediately, it has been confirmed, with women free to become junior and full members. 

"It would seem to be the correct thing for a club that hosts a big sporting event such as the Open," said Dame Laura Davies, the three-time Major champion and one of Britain's best known female players.

"It's such a great course that it deserves to hold prestigious golf events and I'm sure that this will ensure its long future in doing so."

The news follows a similar decision last September by the members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, another of Britain's most renowned courses and a frequent venue for the British Open.

This broke a trend that had lasted for 260 years.

Princess Anne, pictured at last year's IOC Session in Sochi, is among the first wave of female members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club ©Getty Images