Ever wondered what puts the Royal in Royal Birkdale or Royal Melbourne? It’s not just a fancy adjective to make a club sound exclusive, it’s one of the most prestigious honors in the golf world, a title officially granted by the British Royal Family. This article will walk you through the history behind this special status, the criteria a club must meet to earn it, and what you can expect when you’re lucky enough to tee it up at one of these historic venues.
At its heart, the "Royal" prefix is a form of royal patronage given to a golf club by a ruling British monarch. Think of it as a seal of approval from the highest level, acknowledging a club's long-standing tradition, exceptional quality, and contribution to the game of golf. This designation separates a club from its peers, placing it in an elite category of historic institutions.
The tradition started back in 1833 when King William IV granted the esteemed title to the Perth Golfing Society in Scotland, establishing it as the first "Royal" club. A year later, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers followed suit, becoming the now world-famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The practice expanded significantly under Queen Victoria, who was an honorary member of the Royal and Ancient and a patron of several clubs. Her long reign helped cement this practice as a cherished tradition, spreading its influence across the British Commonwealth.
Today, there are just over 60 Royal clubs worldwide. The vast majority are found in the United Kingdom, with a healthy number located in Commonwealth countries like Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Receiving the title is a momentous occasion in a club's history, often celebrated for decades and proudly displayed in its name and logo.
There isn't a formal application or a checklist that a club can follow to guarantee "Royal" status. It's a discretionary honor based on a unique combination of history, reputation, and direct royal connection. Over the years, however, a few common threads have emerged among the clubs that have been granted the title. It typically comes down to a few key factors.
This is non-negotiable. "Royal" status is a reward for longevity and established prominence. Clubs must have a proven track record, typically celebrating at least 50 or, more commonly, over 100 years of existence. Newly founded clubs, no matter how spectacular, simply haven't put in the time. This deep history demonstrates a club's enduring commitment to the sport and its traditions.
This is often the most significant catalyst. The path to "Royal" status frequently begins when a member of the Royal Family becomes a patron, captain, or an active member of the club. For example, Prince Andrew was the captain of the Royal and Ancient in 2004. This direct involvement creates a personal connection between the monarch and the club, paving the way for the official designation. It's this personal seal of approval that makes the title so meaningful.
While not a strict prerequisite, a club’s ability to host major national and international championships carries immense weight. Venues on The Open Championship rota, such as Royal Liverpool, Royal St. George's, and Royal Troon, have a proven pedigree. Being chosen to host a major championship signifies that a course is a true test of golf and that the club possesses the infrastructure and reputation to manage a world-class event. This public recognition significantly strengthens a club's case for royal patronage.
A club must be respected on a global scale. This extends beyond just the golf course itself - which must be maintained to an immaculate standard - and includes the clubhouse, facilities, and the overall member and guest experience. The club needs to be seen as a pillar of the game, admired for both its challenging layout and its commitment to upholding the highest standards of golf etiquette and tradition.
To fully appreciate what makes these clubs so special, let’s look at a few notable examples from around the world.
If you get the opportunity to play at a Royal-designated course, you are in for a memorable experience. As a coach, I tell my students that to truly enjoy it, you need to prepare for a different kind of golf. It’s not just about hitting the ball, it’s about playing the game.
Many of these courses, particularly the classic links ones, were designed long before the advent of modern equipment. They reward shot-making and intelligent course management. You’ll be faced with blind shots, tight fairways, and unpredictable bounces. Trying to overpower the course with a driver on every hole is a recipe for a high score. Instead, think your way around the course. Identify the proper angles, aim for smart positions, and accept that sometimes a long iron off the tee is the right play.
The firm, fast turf on these courses is a feature, not a flaw. You'll need to master the art of the bump-and-run, a low-running shot that uses the ground's contours to get the ball close to the hole. Taking an 8-iron and bumping it along the ground is often a much higher-percentage shot than flying a sand wedge all the way to the pin, especially when the wind is up. When you find yourself just off the green, your putter is often your best friend.
Links golf is famous for its "quirky" bounces. You might hit a perfect shot down the middle of the fairway only to see it kick sideways into a perfectly hidden pot bunker. Conversely, you might pull a shot that looks disastrous and see it bounce off a dune back into play. It all evens out. Don’t get frustrated, just accept it as part of the challenge and fun. Focusing on what you can control - your next shot - is the key to a good score.
Playing a Royal-designated course is about immersing yourself in the club's culture. You’ll likely find that dress codes are stricter, mobile phone use is restricted, and pace of play is taken very seriously. This isn't meant to be stuffy, it’s about honoring the game's traditions and ensuring an enjoyable day for everyone. Arrive on time, understand the club's specific rules, and most importantly, repair your divots and pitch marks. Be a good steward of a historic property.
The "Royal" title is far more than just a name, it’s an emblem of history, quality, and a profound connection to the origins of the game. Playing one of these legendary courses is a chance to walk in the footsteps of golf's greatest champions and appreciate a style of golf that rewards brains as much as brawn.
Thinking your way around these wonderfully strategic layouts is an exhilarating challenge. Every shot requires careful thought, from navigating unpredictable lies in thick fescue to selecting the right an approach shot into a wind-swept green. Our platform, Caddie AI, was built for these moments, providing on-demand advice to help you manage the course and tackle tricky situations with confidence. It gives you an expert second opinion in your pocket, helping you make smarter, more committed swings on any course you play.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
