News Summary
A look into the prestigious ‘Royal’ golf clubs globally, highlighting the criteria for achieving this status, notable courses, and the author’s personal experiences with some of the finest. Courses like Royal Portrush and Royal Dornoch offer stunning views and challenges, while others like Royal St. George’s face scrutiny. The ‘Royal’ designation not only elevates the clubs’ status but also signifies a commitment to excellence in golf and community service.
Portrush, Northern Ireland – The prestigious designation of ‘Royal’ golf clubs, a title granted by the British monarchy, is held by 64 golf clubs globally. While most are located in the United Kingdom and Ireland, they extend their reach to various countries, including Malta, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. This designation not only elevates the status of these clubs but also reflects their commitment to excellence in golf and community service.
To earn the ‘Royal’ title, a golf club typically invites a member of the royal family as an honorary member or formally applies for the status. However, it is crucial to note that not every course with ‘Royal’ in its name necessarily has the official designation. True ‘Royal’ clubs are recognized specifically in ranking lists that highlight their esteemed status.
The author, having played 12 of these celebrated courses, has shared insights on their experiences. Among these, Royal Portrush Golf Club stands out as a favorite, especially as it hosts The Open tournament this week. Renowned for its playability and breathtaking views, the course features significant elevation changes, including a striking downhill tee shot towards the ocean and the challenging uphill par 3 known as ‘Calamity.’
Another notable course is Royal Dornoch, recognized for its challenging play and beautiful surroundings. Golf Digest has ranked it as the top international course. The author has played Royal Dornoch three times since 2015, further cementing its status in their favorites list.
Conversely, the composite course at Royal Melbourne faces skepticism from the author regarding its ranking since it is primarily accessible only to professionals and select members. The Old Course at Royal Troon is famous for its memorable par 3 hole, known as the ‘Postage Stamp,’ which measures under 150 yards.
Despite hosting 15 Opens, Royal St. George’s is noted as the author’s least favorite, primarily due to its lack of visual appeal. In contrast, Royal Durban has recently undergone extensive renovations that have attracted positive reviews for the improvements made since 2016. Similarly, the Royal Dublin course underwent renovations in 2023, restoring its bunkers and preserving a classic design admired by many.
The author’s first press trip course, Royal St. David’s, sparked a passion for links golf, and Royal Sydney recently completed a major redesign, enhancing its reputation.
The notion of ‘Royal’ golf clubs traces back to 1833 when the Perth Golfing Society sought royal patronage from King William IV. Clubs seeking this status must undergo a formal application process and receive approval from the reigning monarch, ensuring they adhere to set standards of excellence. During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, nine new courses were added to the Royal list, reflecting continued growth and legacy within the golfing community.
Globally, the ‘Royal’ designation is not limited to the UK, as six courses in Canada and eight in Australia also proudly bear the title, along with clubs in various other nations. The designation signifies the institution’s long-standing eminence, strong financial standing, and commitment to national, charitable, or scientific causes.
As golf aficionados continue to explore these esteemed courses, the author invites all readers to share their opinions about their favorite ‘Royal’ clubs and their thoughts on the presented rankings to foster a discussion about these remarkable golfing venues.
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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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
