Princess Anne, Laura Davies among first R&A female members

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club has revealed its first seven female members, including Swedish great Annika Sorenstam and Britain's Princess Anne.

The announcement comes after the club voted in favour of inviting women to join for the first time in its 260-year history last year.

"It is an honour and a privilege for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club to welcome these remarkable women as honorary members," George Macgregor OBE, captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said.

"The Princess Royal enjoys a strong bond with Scotland and has shown great energy and commitment to developing sport through her work in the Olympic movement.

"This is an historic day for the club and we could not be more proud also to welcome women who have distinguished themselves in golf over many years and have been great players and champions."

The other four honorary members are British golfers Laura Davies and Belle Robertson, Americans Renee Powell and Louise Suggs and Lally Segard of France.