English golfer Laura Davies knows she won’t be short of playing partners for a round of golf when she gets back home.

The four-time major winner was one of seven women granted honorary membership to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, along with former world No.1 Annika Sorenstam and Princess Anne.

The intake was the first by the historic club following a members’ vote last year to lift restrictions on female membership.

Davies, who will tee off at the Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast from Thursday, said she wasn’t sure if the membership entitled playing privileges but it was sure to gain her a few friends.

“I haven’t got a clue. Whether it’s just a thing or whether you’re actually allowed to just ring up and go, `right, what time is my tee time?’,” she said.

“Obviously I’m going to have lots of friends now because if I get a tee time they’ll want to come and play.

“Whether it is or isn’t a part of it, it’s just great to have it bestowed on you. It’s a great honour.”

Davies, 51, was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in last year’s Queen’s Birthday honours in the United Kingdom.

A winner of 79 tournaments in her long professional career, Davies said she hopes other Open venues with a male-only membership such as Muirfield and Royal St George’s will also consider making the change.

“It just seems silly not to. Women golfers player a huge part in the world of golf now,” she said.

“Not to have them as members, not necessarily pros, I’m talking about your average run of the mill lady golfers that want to play on some of the great championship courses.

“Hopefully one day they’ll all decide that’s a good idea.”