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IOC warns Tokyo 2020 Olympic golf venue must change female policy

International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates speaks at a press conference after Australia's Jared Tallent was presented with his 2012 Olympic
Image: IOC vice president John Coates addressed the media

The International Olympic Committee has warned that it will move the Tokyo 2020 golf tournament from the current venue if the club doesn’t change its policy on female members.

Kasumigaseki Country Club is scheduled to host the competition, but currently does not allow women to become full members or play on a Sunday.

The club's board members met last month to discuss the issue, but have still yet to make a decision about changing their policy.

KAWAGOE CITY, JAPAN - OCTOBER 10:  A general view of the final group walking down the 13th fairway during the final round of the 2010 Asian Amateur Champio
Image: The venue has previously hosted the Japan Open and the Asian Amateur Championship

IOC vice president John Coates visited Tokyo this week and remains hopeful the event won't need to change venues, but has warned that time is running out for a decision to be made.

"My understanding is as recent as this week there have been more discussions with the club, that it's heading in the right direction for them to have a non-discriminatory membership," Coates said.

"I respect it's a private club but our position is clear. We will only go to a club that has non-discrimination," said IOC vice-president John Coates. "At some point there has to be a cut-off."

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 16:  Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays a shot during the second round of The Evian Championship on September 16, 2016 in Ev
Image: Olympic silver medalist Lydia Ko has said she wants to see the ban on women lifted

"It would appear that we would have this result by the end of June."

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Justin Rose is the defending men's Olympic champion after winning gold in Rio ahead of Henrik Stenson, while South Korea's Inbee Park took top spot in the women's event.

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