News That Won't Keep

I've no time to blog, but developments require comment.... what's a fellow to do?

Rota-Ruin - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers announced the results of their membership vote on admitting women members.... and it turns out that only those with members will be allowed to be members:

A two-thirds majority of those who voted – 616 out of the 648 who were eligible to take

part in a postal ballot from a total membership of 750 – was required to change the club’s membership policy, but 64 per cent voted in favour and 36 per cent against. 

Henry Fairweather, the club captain, and his committee had recommended that women should be offered membership on the same terms as the men at the 272-year-old allowed in the club. However they were left to rue the decision of a minority of fellow members as the proposal failed by just 16 votes at the end of a two-year review of the membership.

Notwithstanding that all the usual suspects have taken to the fainting couches, that is the result...for now.  The old guard struck back and carried just sufficient weight to keep the 21st century out in the cold a bit longer....

As we sorted through yesterday, the Old Guard staked their case on the fact that they probably wouldn't lose the Open Championship regardless.... well, shall we see how that played out?

In response to Muirfield's decision, Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of the R&A, released a statement in which he said Muirfield will no longer be able to host an Open unless its policies change.

"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," Slumbers said. "The R&A has considered today's decision with respect to The Open Championship. The Open is one of the world's great sporting events and going forward we will not stage the Championship at a venue that does not admit women as members.

And by going forward you mean?  Because as I understand things, this year's Open will be played at Royal Troon, whose membership policies are identical to the Honourable Company's.  They have had the good sense to hide behind an internal review and consultative process....... rather than kicking sand in Mr. Slumber's face.

While Peter Dawson deserves a bust in the Public relations Hall of Fame for keeping the focus on Muirfield's membership policies through the 2013 Open, once the R&A made their move it was obvious that the clubs serving as venues would similarly have to get on the "right side of history".

We've seen the stick....now here's the carrot:

"Given the schedule for staging The Open, it would be some years before Muirfield would have been considered to host the Championship again. If the policy at the club should change we would reconsider Muirfield as a venue for The Open in future."

This isn't going to result in Muirfield losing a single Open, as I'm guessing those sixteen votes could be found as early as today.  

A longstanding HCEG member was reached to comment on the situation, and had this soothing comment:

Hope In The Time of Trump - Word came earlier this week that The Clinton Foundation was out as a partner on the event formerly known as The Bob Hope Desert Classic.  The local paper had this:

But growing questions about the Clinton Foundation’s financial dealings and influence (including a Wall Street Journal story just last week) and Hillary Clinton’s run for the presidency increased the political tone of the foundation’s local ties. Then again, maybe it was just time for the association to end after a good five-year run that saw the Clinton Foundation help save the tournament and Bill Clinton help provide a face to Hope’s old event. Change happens.

And by questions he means common knowledge...that was paired with the news that Phil Mickelson will be the new Ambassador, whatever that is supposed to be.  But the ink had barely dried on the fish wrapping, when this broke:

"The complaint does not assert that Phil Mickelson violated the securities laws in any way. On that point, Phil feels vindicated," said the statement released by his attorney, former White House counsel Gregory Craig. "At the same time, however, Phil has no desire to benefit from any transaction that the SEC sees as questionable."

The SEC complaint cites a July 2012 conversation he had with Walters. According to the SEC, Mickelson and Walters were friends, and the golfer owed the gambler for bets.

Walters had insider information from Davis about an upcoming spin-off Dean Food (DF)was planning, and Walters advised Mickelson to buy its stock, according to the complaint.

Mickelson allegedly bought $2.4 million worth of the stock the next day, dwarfing his total stock holdings of $250,000. When the stock rose in price, Mickelson was able to sell it at a $931,000 profit and pay off his bets with the proceeds of the trade, according to the SEC.

Awkward.... Phil has some questionable habits and uncomfortable associations, but of course had to know this was coming.  

The Tour did well to wean itself from the Clintons, and I'll remind the reader that the initial deal was supposed to run for eight years.  But Phil is a problem child...though, to be fair, it's a problem event for the Tour.

I'll have more on these two stories in coming days I'm sure...