A few decades ago, golf in the UK was regarded as an elitist sport, played by white middle-class men who commuted during the week and held court at the clubhouse bar at the weekends.

It took a lot of effort from the authorities – and the passing of many a year – for that perception to be changed.

There should be no barriers to participation, yet it appears racism is still rearing its ugly head. The news that former England footballer Kieron Dyer had resigned from his club, Hintlesham Golf Club, near Ipswich, did not come as a surprise to me – it’s the club at which I’m a member.

Everybody was talking about it because the reason behind his departure was that he was allegedly the subject of racial slurs.

There is no room for racism in golf, or in wider society. Both golf clubs and their members can ensure this is the case. If allegations are proved the members concerned should be dismissed immediately. If necessary, clubs’ constitutions should be rewritten to accommodate such a clause.

Financial considerations should not come into the decision – for every member golf clubs consequently dismiss they’ll pick up a couple more who can join safe in the knowledge that race, colour or creed will not prevent them from enjoying their sport.

Members, too, have an obligation to uphold the standards of your club, so if you witness racism in your club, do the right thing and report it.