Actually, the "link" to pubs is that every curling club I have ever been in has a pub/bar next to the sheets and you can watch the action through large windows. In other words, the curling club is a pub which just happens to be a curling rink. Thus the abscence of women, save for special events or nights, until not all that long ago.

And, anyone who doesn't consider it good exercise has never curled. Huurrryyyyyyharrrrrd !!!!