The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews have announced that prominent figures from women’s golf will be allowed to join if it votes to accept female members.

The R&A, golf’s governing body along with the United States Golf Association (USGA), will vote on Thursday on whether to admit women for the first time in its 260-year history.

Members will also be asked if they would accept the immediate admission of 15 female members, including former USGA president Judy Bell and former leading amateur player Carol Semple Thompson.

“The club is balloting its members on a change to its membership rules that would enable it to welcome women members,” said an R&A spokesman.

“Over 2,400 ballot papers have been sent out and the vote is independently scrutinised by Electoral Reform Services.

“A simple majority is required to effect the proposed change. Should the outcome be in favour of welcoming women members, the decision will take immediate effect.

“The first women members in a mixed membership Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews are likely to have made a significant contribution to the development of our sport.”

Speaking in March, R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said the club felt it had “strong support” in favour of female members.

Thursday’s vote will take place on the same day that the people of Scotland vote in a referendum on whether or not to become independent from the United Kingdom.