Historic Golf Club Royal & Ancient Votes to Admit Female Members
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The Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews has voted overwhelmingly to admit female members for the first time.
The club, exclusively for men since it was founded in Scotland 260 years ago, released a statement Thursday saying 85 percent of those who took part in the ballot voted in favor of allowing female members. The club has a worldwide membership of 2,500.
Peter Dawson, secretary of the R&A, says "the membership has also acted to fast-track a significant initial number of women to become members in the coming months."
The Royal & Ancient, whose famous clubhouse overlooks the Old Course at St. Andrews, allowed a vote by proxy for the first time.
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Soccer superstar David Beckham added his support to a letter that states: “What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let’s stay together.” Click to see what other celebrities are saying about Scotland's Independence.
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Scottish tennis star Andy Murray said on Twitter in the run-up to the vote that the "no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it."
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Scottish actor Gerard Butler says "yes" to Scotland independence.
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JK Rowling, author of the beloved Harry Potter books, has been a strong advocate against Scotland leaving the UK.
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Rolling Stones front man, Mick Jagger, has declared "nae" for Scots leaving the UK.
Sean Connery, referred as the "Greatest Living Scot," has declared that Scotland should be an independent state.
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Sir Patrick Stewart joined 200 other celebs and signed a letter titled "Dear Voters of Scotland," in which they pleaded Scots to stay with the UK.
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Actor and comedian Russell Brand tweeted that if he could vote, he would vote "yes."
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Former Beatle, Paul McCartney, joined the "no" team.
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Tough reality TV judge Simon Cowell says "no" to Scottish independence.
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Some Scots don't want to leave the union. Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is on the "no" team.
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Sting also says "no" and is part of the "Let's Stay Together" campaign.
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British designer Vivienne Westwood expressed her strong support for Scotland's independence at the London Fashion week.
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"Britain's Got Talent" star Susan Boyle would like Scotland to remain part of the UK.
