Muirfield Golf Club of Edinburgh, Scotland, voted to allow women as members of the prestigious club yesterday. This comes almost after a year of scrutiny and criticism—when in May 2016, they voted to uphold their 273-year ban on women.
So why, after not allowing women since the club’s founding in 1744 did the men at Muirfield suddenly decide women could join their little club of prestige?
[quote position="full" is_quote="true"]In reality, Muirfield acted on their own behalf, not on women’s behalf.[/quote]
Look no further than the R&A, the governing body of golf in the United Kingdom, which told Muirfield that until it allowed women, it could no longer host the Open Championship, one of golf’s most esteemed majors.
Some criticized the R&A, stating it had no place to put pressure on Muirfield since it is a private club, and private clubs can make their own rules. Which is true; private clubs can do as they please. However, with every action there is a positive or negative consequence. This is the same as people who say racist and bigoted things in private and lose their jobs when their personal views come to light.
In reality, Muirfield acted on their own behalf, not on women’s behalf. Apparently, losing the Open Championship was too much for most of the men to handle, with 498 members voting in favor of allowing women. However, there were still 123 votes against any changes.
Henry Fairweather, the captain of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns and runs Muirfield, said, “We look forward to welcoming women as members who will enjoy, and benefit from, the great traditions and friendly spirit of this remarkable club."
So, there are a few key things I want to know:
1) When will they start inducting women as members? According to Fairweather, “Our members were quite clear that they wanted women to be treated not in any artificial way and they will have the same admissions process as men.”
This means a potential six to seven year wait for any women who apply for membership. This is a an important distinction that needs to be addressed. You can’t just say that you will welcome female members if you have no intention of doing it right away.
2) Will women receive full membership benefits? Many clubs still prohibit when women can play, even if they are members. The women golfers are restricted to designated times so that they don’t get in the way of the men who are playing.
3) If Muirfield is truly interested in spreading the tradition of their club and the game, how will they reach out to women? Will they give honorary memberships to a few high-profile women or will they host women’s events to attract women to their club?
4) When will the R&A consider hosting another Open Championship at Muirfield again? The earliest that Muirfield could be in rotation for the Open is 2022, but will they host that soon considering the six to seven year wait that women will potentially face to become members? Or will the R&A wait to see how many female members Muirfield actually allows or whether the club is proactive in its approach to reaching women?
This last question is probably the most important one that needs to be answered. We cannot simply reward Muirfield with hosting one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments just because they changed the vernacular of their rules. Action will have to back up Muirfield’s claim that they will welcome women with open arms.
Until then, I will sit back and wait to see how Muirfield will uphold its promise to value women as equal members of their club. Hopefully, the R&A will wait too.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.