An end to the Open Championship being staged at clubs with a male-only membership policy is in sight after English golf club Royal St George’s voted to allow women members.

Women who have made a “significant contribution” to golf will be first in line to join the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, if the club votes in favour of women members.

The players chasing shock leaders Thomas Bjorn and Tom Lewis were today hoping to take advantage of perfect conditions in the second round of the 140th Open Championship.

Prize money at The British Open Championship this July will be a record £4m (€6m), it was revealed today.