News Summary
The designation of ‘Royal’ in golf marks distinguished clubs globally, with 64 recognized by the British monarchy. This article discusses the criteria, history, and notable courses that carry this prestigious title, highlighting their cultural significance and the standards maintained for their recognition. From the UK to countries like India and South Africa, the legacy of ‘Royal’ clubs continues to attract golfing enthusiasts seeking excellence in both playability and design.
London, UK — An In-Depth Look at the Global ‘Royal’ Golf Course Designation and Rankings
The classification of ‘Royal’ in the golfing world is a mark of distinction awarded to select golf clubs around the globe. Currently, there are 64 golf clubs worldwide with the official ‘Royal’ status granted by the British monarchy. Though most of these clubs are situated in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the list extends to countries including Malta, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, illustrating the international reach of this prestigious designation.
How a Club Becomes ‘Royal’
Becoming recognized as a ‘Royal’ golf club involves either an invitation to include a royal family member as an honorary member or a formal application process. The approval is granted directly by the reigning monarch, who evaluates whether the club meets specific standards of prominence and service. It is important to note that not all golf courses boasting ‘Royal’ in their names have the official designation. Verification on official ranking lists is necessary to confirm a club’s authentic ‘Royal’ status.
History and Criteria
The origins of ‘Royal’ golf societies date back to 1833, when the Perth Golfing Society sought patronage from King William IV. Since then, the tradition has persisted, with the British monarchy overseeing the process. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1952 until her passing in 2022, nine new courses received the Royal designation, reflecting ongoing royal interest. Countries such as Canada and Australia also maintain a significant number of Royal clubs, with six and eight respectively, recognized for their blades of excellence and longstanding service.
Features and Notable Courses
Among the most renowned is the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, which is hosting a major tournament, The Open Championship, this week. This course is among the author’s favorite for its playability and scenic design. It features dynamic elevation changes, including a downhill tee shot toward the ocean and the challenging uphill par 3—known as ‘Calamity’.
Similarly, Royal Dornoch in Scotland is praised for its challenging layout and picturesque setting. It has been rated as the top international course by Golf Digest and has been played three times since 2015. In contrast, the Composite Course at Royal Melbourne in Australia is viewed skeptically, as it is primarily accessible only to professional players and select members, making it less representative of public play standards.
Another course, Royal Troon in Scotland, is famed for its par 3 hole known as ‘Postage Stamp’, a short but memorable hole under 150 yards. Conversely, Royal St. George’s in England, despite hosting 15 Open Championships, receives lower marks from some for its less visually stimulating landscape.
In Africa and Asia, Royal Durban in South Africa has undergone renovations since 2016 with positive feedback, and Royal Dublin has restored its bunkers, maintaining its classic links style from recent 2023 upgrades. Additionally, Royal St. David’s in Wales was the author’s first visit on a press trip, igniting an appreciation for links golf. The Royal Sydney Golf Club in Australia has also recently undergone a significant redesign in 2023, improving its reputation and appeal.
Global Significance and Ongoing Recognition
The Royal status embodies long-standing eminence, financial stability, and a dedication to national, charitable, or scientific causes. It signifies an institution’s historic and cultural importance, often reflecting centuries of tradition and excellence in golf.
Engaging with the Legacy
The author encourages golf enthusiasts to reflect on their own experiences and opinions regarding ‘Royal’ courses and rankings. The appreciation for such prestigious clubs involves considering their history, landscape, design, and the role they play in the sport’s heritage.
In summary, the Royal golf course designation remains a distinguished symbol that unites a select group of golf clubs worldwide. With rich histories, challenging designs, and cultural significance, they continue to attract players and admirers across the globe, maintaining their esteemed status through standards upheld over generations.
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Additional Resources
- GolfPass: Best Royal Golf Courses
- Golf Digest: How Does a Golf Club Get to Call Itself Royal?
- Golf Digest: Royal Portrush Video – Every Hole
- Irish Times: Best Golf Courses in Co. Down
- The Fried Egg: Northern Ireland Golf Guide
- Wikipedia: Royal Golf Clubs
- Google Search: Royal Golf Courses
- Google Scholar: Royal Golf Courses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Royal Golf Course
- Google News: Royal Golf Courses
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
