Sixty-six per cent of clubs offer full membership to women, compared with 52 per cent in our last survey four years ago.

Of the 261 clubs surveyed in the Republic of Ireland, 175 have offered equal rights to women, 84 limit women to associate membership while Portmarnock and Royal Dublin are men-only clubs.

Of the 41,000 women golfers registered with the ILGU, 5,782 are currently enjoying full membership.

Of the 38 clubs in Connacht, 36 have granted equal status. Athlone in Roscommon and Enniscrone in Sligo being the exception.

All the clubs in seven counties - Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Carlow, Laois, Longford and Kerry have granted equal status.

Of the 49 clubs surveyed in Dublin City and County - only 13 have offered equal status to women.