News Summary
The ‘Royal’ designation for golf courses, a mark of honor by the British monarchy, is held by only 64 courses globally. This article explores the origins, criteria, and significance of these elite clubs, many of which are located in the UK and Ireland. The article also highlights notable courses like Royal Portrush and Royal Dornoch, reflecting on their challenging layouts and stunning landscapes. Readers are invited to engage and share their favorite Royal courses.
London, UK —
The designation of ‘Royal’ for golf courses is a prestigious honor conferred by the British monarchy, with only 64 courses worldwide officially holding this title. These courses span across numerous countries, predominantly in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with additional courses located in Malta, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
Origins and Criteria for Royal Status
The tradition of granting ‘Royal’ status to golf clubs dates back to 1833, when the Perth Golfing Society requested royal patronage from King William IV. Today, the process typically involves either inviting a member of the royal family as an honorary member or submitting an application for formal recognition. To date, approval from the reigning monarch is necessary, ensuring that the club meets certain standards of eminence, financial stability, and dedication to charitable, national, or scientific causes.
Distinguishing Official ‘Royal’ Clubs
Despite many clubs incorporating ‘Royal’ in their names, not all possess the official designation. The authentic ‘Royal’ courses are those listed on official rankings and recognized by the monarchy. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, which lasted from 1952 until her passing in 2022, nine new courses were granted the royal title, reflecting ongoing recognition of outstanding golf institutions.
Notable ‘Royal’ Golf Courses and Rankings
Among the 64 official ‘Royal’ courses, several stand out due to their historic significance, scenic beauty, and challenging play. The author has personally played 12 of these courses, including Royal Portrush Golf Club—currently hosting The Open tournament—and considers it their top favorite for its excellent playability and striking vistas.
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Situated in Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush features notable elevation changes, including a downhill tee shot toward the Atlantic Ocean and the treacherous uphill par 3 called ‘Calamity.’ Its challenging layout and scenic surroundings have earned it widespread admiration.
Royal Dornoch
Located in Scotland, Royal Dornoch is renowned for its demanding play and stunning natural beauty. The course has been played multiple times by the author since 2015 and is rated by Golf Digest as the top international course, thanks to its challenging design and scenic landscape.
Royal Melbourne’s Composite Course
The author questions the ranking of the composite course assembled from Royal Melbourne’s courses, arguing that it should not be ranked since only professional players and a select group of members can access it, limiting its general prominence.
Other Noteworthy Courses
- Royal Troon’s Old Course: Known for its memorable ‘Postage Stamp’ par 3, which measures less than 150 yards and is considered a classic challenge.
- Royal St. George’s: Despite hosting 15 Open Championships, the author considers it the least visually stimulating among the ‘Royals,’ citing a lack of aesthetic appeal.
- Royal Durban: Underwent renovations since 2016, receiving positive feedback for improvements made to its layout and facilities.
- Royal Dublin: Recently restored bunkers and preserved its traditional design, maintaining its status as a classic links course.
- Royal St. David’s: The author recalls their first press trip at this course, which sparked a passion for links golf.
- Royal Sydney: Completed a major redesign in 2023, revitalizing its course while retaining its distinguished reputation.
Global Distribution and Significance
In addition to the UK and Ireland, several countries boast ‘Royal’ courses; notably, six courses in Canada and eight in Australia. The ‘Royal’ title signifies not only eminent history but also long-standing reputation, financial robustness, and contributions to national causes or charitable efforts.
Conclusion and Reader Engagement
The landscape of ‘Royal’ golf courses is rich with history and tradition, spanning multiple continents and offering a variety of challenging and scenic experiences. While some courses are celebrated for their historic significance and stunning views, others are valued for their challenging layouts and classic design features. The author encourages readers to share their opinions on their favorite ‘Royal’ courses and the rankings discussed, fostering a broader appreciation of these iconic golf 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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
