(ATR) Certainty for Tokyo 2020 now that Kasumigaseki Country Club has opened its membership to women.
The club, Japan’s second oldest, faced the loss of hosting the golf tournament in the Tokyo Olympics unless it changed rules blocking women from full membership. The club board of directors made the change March 18, complying with the request by the IOC to adopt non-discriminatory membership practices in line with the Olympic Charter.
"The IGF is pleased with the decision of the KCC Executive Board to allow women to become full members of the Club. We now look forward to staging a great Olympic competition in 2020 at this excellent venue," says a statement from the International Golf Federation.
IOC Coordination Commission chair John Coates said he’s happy the golf club took the initiative to change the rules, which went so far as to prohibit women from playing on Sundays.
"While we had made our position on non-discrimination clear as soon as we became aware of their rules, it was important that the members of the club be given the opportunity to make the change in their good time. It is their club and at the end of the day we had to be welcomed by them," says Coates.
IGF executive director Antony Scanlon tells Around the Rings the federation plans to travel to Tokyo in the next month or so to begin work on the Olympic overlay and operation plan for the Games.
Scanlon notes that the East Course at Kasumigaseki, designated for the Olympics, is now open again for play after renovation by Fazio Design. The course has been lengthened by about 500 yards to 7,400 yards.
"Our technical experts are very happy with the modifications. IGF is confident that we have an excellent venue that will host a great competition in 2020," says Scanlon.
Kasumigaseki was founded in 1928 and has hosted numerous tournaments in its history, but the Olympics will be its biggest splash ever. The club is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from downtown Tokyo in Saitama prefecture.
Written by Ed Hula.
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