The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is the ruling authority for the game of golf. It is responsible for such matters as the rules of the game, deciding which clubs and balls can be used and organising tournaments, most famously the Open Championship. It is also a private members club. It has about 1800 members who come from all over the world.

The R&A does not own a golf course but has access to five public courses at St Andrews. Members of the R&A have special privileges on the Old and New courses. The club also helps to maintain and improve the St Andrews courses and other facilities.

Things to think about:

Can you find a picture of the R&A’s clubhouse? What do you think you would find inside the clubhouse? Can you find any more information about the kinds of things the R&A do for the game of golf?