News Summary
The designation of ‘Royal’ golf courses, recognized by the British monarchy, signifies excellence and tradition in the sport. With 64 courses globally, this title reflects both historical significance and a commitment to quality. Only clubs meeting strict criteria can bear this prestigious title, often linked to civic causes. From renowned locations like Royal Portrush to Royal Dornoch, these courses not only offer challenging layouts but also contribute to the rich heritage of golf, continuously evolving with renovations and new additions around the world.
London, UK — Examination of the ‘Royal’ Golf Course Designation and Rankings
The world’s golf landscape features a distinctive group of 64 courses worldwide bearing the prestigious ‘Royal’ title, officially recognized by the British monarchy. These courses, scattered across multiple countries, symbolize long-standing tradition, excellence, and often, historical significance.
Origins and Criteria for ‘Royal’ Status
The tradition of designating a golf course as ‘Royal’ dates back to 1833 when the Perth Golfing Society received royal patronage from King William IV. Today, official ‘Royal’ status is awarded through a formal application process. Clubs seeking the title must demonstrate a history of excellence, financial stability, and their commitment to civic or charitable causes. Once approved by the reigning monarch, a course is added to the exclusive list, ensuring it adheres to high standards of historic preservation and quality.
Distribution and Global Presence
Although most ‘Royal’ clubs are located within the United Kingdom and Ireland, the designation extends beyond borders, including sites in Malta, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. In total, these courses reflect a blend of tradition, prestige, and geographic diversity, with the number of courses increasing over the decades. During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign—from 1952 until her passing in 2022—nine new courses gained the ‘Royal’ designation, illustrating the continued significance of this honor.
Recognition and Rankings
Not all courses bearing ‘Royal’ in their names meet the official criteria; only those officially recognized can appear on reputable golf rankings and lists. The distinction between ‘Royal’ courses and those claiming the title informally is notable, with the latter lacking the historical and institutional backing necessary for official recognition. Rankings by respected sources primarily include those courses with verified ‘Royal’ status, highlighting their contribution to the sport’s heritage and quality.
Notable ‘Royal’ Courses and Personal Experiences
One of the most renowned courses is Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, which is hosting The Open this week. Its combination of scenic views and challenging terrain makes it a favorite among players and spectators alike. Features include significant elevation changes, such as a downhill tee shot toward the ocean and a notably difficult uphill par 3 named ‘Calamity.’
Another highly regarded course is Royal Dornoch in Scotland, praised for its challenging layout and stunning setting. It has been highlighted by major golf publications as the top international course and has been played multiple times by the author of this overview since 2015.
Other courses include Royal Melbourne’s composite course, often debated in rankings for its limited accessibility, as only professional players and select members can play it. Similarly, Royal Troon’s Old Course is famed for its ‘Postage Stamp’ par 3, an iconic shot under 150 yards long, known for its difficulty.
Less Favorable and Recently Renovated Courses
Not all ‘Royal’ clubs are universally admired. Royal St. George’s, despite hosting 15 Open Championships, is often criticized for its monotonous visual appeal and lack of scenic diversity, affecting its ranking appeal. Conversely, courses like Royal Durban and Royal Dublin have undergone renovations since 2016 and 2023 respectively, with the latter maintaining its historic bunkering and classic design elements.
Historical Significance and Modern Developments
The tradition of ‘Royal’ golf clubs continues to evolve with new additions and renovations. The Royal St. David’s course in Wales, for example, played a crucial role in sparking a passion for links golf during a press trip. Meanwhile, Royal Sydney in Australia saw a comprehensive redesign completed in 2023, revitalizing its prominence in the international golf scene.
Conclusion
The ‘Royal’ designation remains a mark of distinction in golf, rooted in historical governance and high standards of excellence. As these courses symbolize tradition, challenge, and prestige, they continue to attract enthusiasts and preserve the sport’s rich heritage. The author encourages golf fans to share their opinions on favorite ‘Royal’ courses and how rankings reflect their quality and importance.
With the ongoing appreciation of monarchial influence in golf, the list of royal courses globally is expected to grow, further enriching the legacy of these institutions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
