GOLF: The retired head of a US televison network has become the first member of the Augusta National Golf Club to resign in protest over its refusal to admit women.

Thomas Wyman, former chief executive of CBS, branded club chairman Hootie Johnson's stance on female membership unacceptable and "pigheaded".

The exclusive Georgia club, which stages the US Masters, has never allowed women as members in its 70-year history.

Wyman, who had been a member for 25 years, told the New York Times he hoped his resignation would encourage others to push to allow women to join.

"There are obviously some redneck, old-boy types down there, but there are a lot of very thoughtful, rational people in the membership and they feel as strongly as I do."

He estimated up to a quarter of the 300 club members also support the admission of women.

And he criticised Johnson's claims that there had not been a single case of protest in the membership over the issue.

"He absolutely believes this will all go away. It will not go away and it should not."

Augusta said the resignation would not change policy.

"We are disappointed that Mr Wyman has chosen to publicise a private matter," club spokesman Glenn Greenspan said.

"While we respect the fact that there are differences of opinion on this issue, we intend to stand firm behind our right to make what are both appropriate and private membership choices."

Meanwhile, the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake will stage the 2006 British Open, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) has announced.

It will be the 11th time that Royal Liverpool has staged the world's oldest major but the first time since 1967.

Argentina's Roberto de Vicenzo won the title the last time it was played over the Royal Liverpool links before infrastructure and transport problems meant the club was withdrawn from the list of British Open venues.

However, an agreement was reached with the R&A two years ago which led to the club making the necessary changes to meet the standards required, including the purchase of an extra 10 acres of land for a new practice ground.

Royal Liverpool, founded in 1869, will stage the British Open from July 20th to 23th.

Bobby Jones won at Royal Liverpool in 1930 on his way to a unique grand slam.