R&A vote to allow female members would be a significant step forward

“You can always ask that question: ‘Why now? Why not 10 years ago?’ The R&A have been considering this. It’s been on our agenda, on our radar, for quite some time,” Dawson added.

“The feeling is as society changes, as sport changes, as golf changes, it’s something the R&A needs to do.”

Back in March, Dawson stated a “no” vote would be “undesirable”. Indeed, were the move to be rejected it would leave many questioning the R&A’s right to have any future influence on the running of the game.

During the ballot process, Dawson has been at pains not to be drawn any further into the debate. He did not want to say anything that might upset the membership.

Originally the vote, which would have required a two-thirds majority, was scheduled to take place at the club’s annual business meeting. That’s why they had no choice but to use the same date as the Scottish referendum.

However, it soon became clear that this was a matter for the entire club, not just the 300 or so members who typically attend the business meeting. Therefore a postal ballot of all 2,400 members was organised and only a simple majority is required to enact the historic move.

Too many recent Opens have been overshadowed by the men-only issue. Whenever the championship has been played at St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal St George’s and Royal Troon, it has detracted from the tournament.