Author: editor

When the Clubhouse was built in 1854, it was a single storey building, which was to undergo gradual expansion from 1866. The Grand Room and adjacent balcony, which sit above the Big Room, were built in 1899 as part of a number of alterations that were commissioned from architect James Gillespie.

Originally used as a card room, it did not become the Secretary’s office until 1956. From 1925 the Secretary’s office was in the north-east corner of the building, on the ground floor, in what is now the Billiards Room. It was felt at the time that this location would “be a convenience to the many members who have to interview the secretary”. As was the case then, the current Secretary’s office is also used for committee meetings.

HRH The Duke of York drove in as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club on 18 September 2003, the sixth member of the royal family to hold the position. He was Captain during the year in which the Club celebrated its 250th anniversary. A painting of the drive-in was commissioned, along with this painting of the Annual Dinner. It shows the symbolic moment when the Queen Adelaide Medal is hung around The Duke of York’s neck. The Annual Dinner, which is held at the end of the Autumn Medal competition, is an important event in the Club’s annual calendar. Traditionally held in the St Andrews Town Hall, in 2002 it was decided a larger venue was needed and, since then, the Fairmont Hotel has hosted the occasion.

 

This watercolour painting shows a match in progress on the Old Course, St Andrews, watched by a group of spectators. The umbrellas have started to go up, as a flash of lightening in the sky warns of the storm to come.

The painting is on loan to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club through the Royal Scottish Academy Art Rental Scheme.

The display includes significant trophies, although not all are competed for today. The Challenge Belt was the original prize presented to the winner of The Open. It was won outright by Tom Morris Jr in 1870, following his third consecutive victory. The Claret Jug replaced the Belt as the prize and the rules were changed so that it could not be retained by the winner.

The AIG Women’s British Open was first played in 1976. Several trophies have been presented, the current one having been made in 2007 when Ricoh became the sponsor.

The Amateur Championship for men was first played in 1885 at Hoylake. The trophy was not presented until the following year, having been subscribed to by twenty-four leading golf clubs.

The Ladies’ Golf Union was formed in 1893 and one of its founding principles was to establish a national women’s championship. The inaugural competition was played at Lytham & St Annes that year. Today’s championship attracts a large international field and has been played at venues throughout the UK and Ireland.