Prince Andrew's continued role as patron of Royal Portrush Golf Club to come under scrutiny 

The RoyalPortrushGolfClubtocomeunderscrutiny  venue for this year’s Open Championship plans to discuss seeking a new patron following the Duke of York’s unprecedented withdrawal from public life over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the Daily Telegraph has learnt.

Royal Portrush Golf Club, which staged the 148^th edition of golf’s oldest major in July, confirmed on Thursday that the Duke’s decision to step back from his royal duties would be on the agenda at its next meeting.

“The allegations surrounding Prince Andrew, and especially the trauma and distress suffered by the victims of Jeffrey Epstein is a matter of deep regret,” the club said in a statement.

“Royal Portrush will continue to monitor the ongoing investigative process. There are no scheduled plans for him to return to the club.

“The council of Royal Portrush is acutely aware of the widespread public concern about these allegations, and Prince Andrew’s decision to step away from public duties will be discussed at our next meeting.”