The Equality Authority and the Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU) have stated their disappointment at today’s High Court decision that Portmarnock Golf Club can continue to prevent women from becoming full members.
The Equality Authority's chief executive, Niall Crowley, said there were two avenues open to the authority to fight the decision - appeal the decision through the courts or seek legislative change.
He said the ruling would take time to study before a course of action could be taken.
"We are very disappointed at the outcome and disappointed that the High Court judge did not agree with the interpretation of the District Court judge and took a broad perspective on men's needs," Mr Crowley said.
"The Judgement maintains an unsatisfactory status quo - a significant institution in our society can continue to exclude women from membership.
"It can continue to set a standard that runs counter to any aspirations we might have as a society for greater equality between women and men," he said.
"This is unsatisfactory in a context of significant and persistent inequalities experienced by women in a broad range of sectors."
The Irish Ladies Golf Union, which represents 56,000 women across the country, also expressed its disappointment at the outcome.
"We regret the findings of the judgment of the Portmarnock case and the impact it may have on the Equal Status Act 2000," said Sinéad Heraty, chief executive of the ILGU.
"One of our objectives is the promotion of equality in golf clubs and we welcome the announcement from the Equality Authority that they are considering appealing the decision."
"We will continue to press the Government and the Equality Authority to remedy any deficiencies in the Equal Status Act (2000) and produce an appropriate Code of Practice so that equality can be properly addressed in all golf clubs," she said.