Muirfield Golf Club's committee is seeking a fresh ballot on admitting female members just six weeks after a controversial vote to keep its men-only status.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG) announced the surprise move on Monday morning, claiming a "decisive vote" in favour of accepting women would help to restore its reputation.

Two-thirds of the HCEG were required to vote in favour of changing the policy but fell just short, with 64% voting yes.

The move provoked widespread anger and global headlines, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon describing the results as "indefensible".

Shortly after the result was announced on May 19, the R&A said it would no longer consider staging The Open at Muirfield.

Now the East Lothian club committee has revealed it will seek approval at a special general meeting to hold a fresh postal ballot before the end of 2016.

HCEG captain Henry Fairweather said: "A substantial majority of our members voted for change and many have voiced their disappointment with the ballot result and with subsequent events.

"The club committee believes that a clear and decisive vote in favour of admitting women as members is required to enable us to begin the task of restoring the reputation of the club that has been damaged by the earlier ballot outcome."