McIlroy Backs Golf Course That Fought Woke Membership Rules

World No. 2 golfer Rory McIlroy is calling for the return of Muirfield to the Open Championship rotation, a course that was exiled for refusing to bow to politically correct membership demands.

Back in 2016, the historic Scottish course lost its place in golf's most prestigious tournament after members voted to maintain their traditional membership policies. The R&A, golf's governing body, pulled the Open from Muirfield in a move that cost the club millions and sparked debate about freedom of association.

Standing Ground Against the Woke Mob

Muirfield, officially known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, has hosted 16 Open Championships since its founding. The course, designed by Old Tom Morris, represents centuries of golf tradition and American-style private club values.

When the club initially stood firm on its membership policies, the R&A declared it would not stage championships at venues that didn't comply with their social agenda. This heavy-handed approach forced a historic institution to choose between tradition and tournament revenue.

The club eventually reversed course in 2017, accepting women members by 2019. But the damage was done, and Muirfield remained blacklisted from hosting men's Opens.

McIlroy Sees the Light

Speaking at the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy acknowledged that Muirfield has "rectified the issues that they had" and deserves to return to the Open rotation.

"It has to commercially make sense," McIlroy said, showing the kind of business-first thinking that built America great. "Muirfield, that area of North Berwick, that would probably be one of the more commercially viable Opens."

The Northern Irishman called it a "wonderful golf course" and declared, "Muirfield deserves to be back on the Open rota."

Merit Over Politics

This situation highlights a broader issue facing American institutions: the pressure to conform to progressive ideology or face economic punishment. Muirfield's initial resistance showed the kind of backbone that built great American private clubs and institutions.

The course proved that quality and tradition matter more than political correctness. Phil Mickelson's dramatic 2013 Open victory at Muirfield remains one of golf's greatest moments, proving that excellence speaks louder than social engineering.

With the 2028 Open still unassigned, the R&A has a chance to choose merit over politics and bring championship golf back to one of Scotland's finest courses.