Golf club's old rule banning Germans and Austrians

A British golf club got a shock when it learned it had an old rule banning Germans and Austrians from using its course. The restriction was introduced 88 years ago and had long-been forgotten - until now. Filton Golf Club, near Bristol, is now rewriting its rulebook so the ban is scrapped. Golfer Hugo Berger, who is of Austrian descent, takes advantage of the ban being rescinded. It was put in place in 1919 after nine of its club members died serving their country during the First World War. The ban was unearthed by researcher Alan Barclay, who had been trawling through the club's history archives. Mr Barclay, 66, said: "Germans and Austrians have played here but not 'legally'. Now they are officially welcome." After the discovery, members unanimously backed a motion to axe the rule.