Laura Davies has claimed that the vote to allow women members at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club will encourage more females to take up the sport.

It was confirmed on Thursday evening that the motion had been carried with 85% of the vote from 2,400 members, and Davies believes that the decision should have been taken much sooner.

"This is a big moment. Girls will see it as a viable option as a sport to play," the four-time Major winner is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"Women's golf is so big now that it's only right that at the home of golf, women should be members there. It's good news all round.

"Times move on and I think all of them probably realise that it's a bit ridiculous in this day and age."

Women were previously allowed to play the Old Course at St Andrew's, the home of the R&A, but could not apply for membership.