Portmarnock is running into a storm of protest over its hosting of next year’s Nissan Irish Open.

Like Augusta National, the men-only club is facing a protest campaign by National Women’s Council if Ireland (NWCI) over its membership policy.

The NWCI is angry that the government is ploughing public money into the tournament through Bord Failte.

“Portmarnock is one of only two golf clubs in the state which still operates a ban on women members,” said NWCI director Dr Joanna McMinn.

“It is an insult and an outrage that women continue to be banned from the golf club.”

The NWCI wants Bord Fáilte to withdraw its sponsorship – estimated to be in the region of €250,000 – as the feel that club may be breaking the Equal Status Act.

Under the Act, if a complaint of discrimination is made the Equality Authority has the power to take the club to the district court.

The organisation has written to Bord Fáilte and to Sports minister John O’Donoghue to complain.

But for he moment it does not appear that the Department of Sport is ready to move on the issue.

"We are sponsoring an important international competition in Ireland, not the club,” said O’Donoghue.

Portmarnock insists that its policy of allowing women to play the course, but not be eligible for membership, does not violate equality legislation.

A spokesman for the European tour said: “We have no comment to make on the matter.”

But a Portmarnock source said: “It is the understanding of Portmarnock golf club, and we have been so advised, that the rules of the club do not infringe the Equal Status Act.”

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© Brian Keogh 2002

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