The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have confirmed that female changing rooms will be added to the clubhouse for the first time.

Despite the admittance of female members in 2014, until now women have been asked to go up the street to the Forgan House, near the 18th green of the St. Andrews course, in order to shower and change.

“We are in the early stages of planning upgrades to the clubhouse, including the installation of women’s changing rooms,” said a spokesperson for the R&A. “We are consulting with members before we finalise our plans.”

Definitive dates are still uncertain due to the costs associated with renovations to the ancient clubhouse which was opened in 1854 but this is a step in the right direction.

"There is no firm timetable but it will be a phased programme, which will take us beyond 2021," continued the spokesperson.

The R&A will also play host to the 150th Open Championships in 2021, in what is building up to be a monumental year for the historic club.