News Summary
Royal Portrush Golf Club, a prestigious ‘Royal’ golf club in Northern Ireland, is hosting The Open Championship this week. Known for its stunning coastline views and unique course features, it stands out among its peers. The club’s elite status reflects the historical value and rigorous standards of ‘Royal’ golf clubs worldwide, which number only 64. As global golf enthusiasts prepare to enjoy this significant tournament, Royal Portrush highlights the aesthetics and challenges that define the best in the sport.
City: Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland
The prestigious title of ‘Royal’ in the world of golf is held by only 64 golf clubs globally, primarily located in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This exclusive designation, granted by the British monarchy, reflects a club’s long-standing excellence and its commitment to upholding stringent standards.
While most ‘Royal’ clubs are based in the UK and Ireland, some are also found in diverse locations such as Malta, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. To attain ‘Royal’ status, a golf club usually invites a member of the royal family to join as an honorary member or submits an application to the reigning monarch. Not all courses with ‘Royal’ in their name carry this official designation, as true ‘Royal’ clubs are recognized through established ranking lists.
As golf enthusiasts prepare to explore the intricacies of these esteemed courses, Royal Portrush Golf Club stands out notably this week as it hosts The Open Championship. This course is considered a personal favorite among many golfers due to its remarkable playability and breathtaking vistas overlooking the rugged coastline.
Course Features and Rankings
Royal Portrush features dramatic elevation changes, including a challenging downhill tee shot toward the ocean and an uphill par 3 known as ‘Calamity.’ The scenic environment and layout significantly enhance the golfing experience. The author, who has played on 12 ‘Royal’ courses, ranks Royal Portrush as their top pick, underscoring its unique charm.
Another notable mention is Royal Dornoch, praised for its challenging layout and picturesque surroundings. The course has been played three times since 2015, and Golf Digest has recognized it as the top international course, reflecting its global standing in the golf community.
Conversely, the composite course at Royal Melbourne has raised eyebrows among some golf aficionados, including the author. Concerns center around its accessibility, as only professional golfers and a select few club members can play there, complicating its inclusion in prominent rankings.
Royal Troon’s Old Course is celebrated for its iconic par 3, the ‘Postage Stamp,’ which measures under 150 yards and presents a formidable challenge due to its size. In contrast, Royal St. George’s, which has hosted the Open Championship 15 times, is noted as the author’s least favorite for its less visually engaging course design.
Renovations and Continued Evolution
Royal Durban, meanwhile, has benefited from renovations since 2016, which have garnered positive feedback regarding the improvements made. Similarly, the Royal Dublin Golf Club has undertaken restoration processes, particularly of its bunkers, while maintaining a classic course design following renovations in 2023.
The history of ‘Royal’ golf clubs dates back to 1833, originating with the Perth Golfing Society’s appeal for royal patronage from King William IV. The process of obtaining royal status is formal and thorough, requiring a club to demonstrate excellence and a dedication to charitable or national causes.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s lengthy reign, from 1952 until her passing in 2022, nine new courses were granted the esteemed ‘Royal’ title, further solidifying the status’s prestige. Today, beyond the UK and Ireland, six courses in Canada and eight in Australia also carry the ‘Royal’ designation, expanding the title’s global reach.
The term ‘Royal’ extends to those institutions that exhibit long-standing prominence, assured financial health, and a commitment to significant national, charitable, or scientific undertakings. As golf enthusiasts reflect on the allure of these distinguished clubs, the invitation remains open for players to share their thoughts on favorite ‘Royal’ courses and the rankings they uphold.
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
