After weeks of criticism, Japan's Kasumigaseki Country Club has voted to admit women as full members for the first time. 

 

在数周的批评攻势下，日本霞关乡村俱乐部经过投票，首次承认了俱乐部中女性的正式会员身份。

 

The Tokyo 2020 golf venue¹ had faced the potential removal of its hosting rights after the International Olympic Committee said it would only go to a club with a non-discriminatory policy. 

 

Despite having over 200 female golfers on its books, women were not allowed to become full members and couldn't play on certain Sundays -- restrictions² that did not apply to men. 

 

The IOC made it clear it would have no trouble finding another venue if the policy remained in place, and the club's board members have acted swiftly to change its membership policy. 

 

"I'd like to extend my gratitude³ to the members of the club for their understanding and cooperation," Tokyo Games chief Yoshiro Mori said in a statement. 

 

"Kasumigaseki Country Club is an outstanding venue with excellent courses, and we are proud it will be hosting top-tier golfers from all over the world for the Olympic Games." 

 

Mori also praised the "short period of time" in which the agreement had been reached following the public outcry.

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