News Summary
The esteemed Royal Portrush Golf Club is once again in the spotlight as it hosts The Open Championship. This prestigious event highlights its historical significance and stunning landscape, drawing golf enthusiasts eager to experience its challenging course. With notable elevation changes and scenic ocean views, Royal Portrush stands out among ‘Royal’ golf clubs, which boast a rich heritage dating back to 1833. As a designated ‘Royal’ club, Portrush’s role in the golfing world reflects its commitment to excellence and tradition.
Portrush, Northern Ireland – The world of golf is steeped in tradition, and one of the most prestigious designations a golf club can receive is the title of ‘Royal,’ a status bestowed by the British monarchy. Currently, there are 64 golf clubs internationally that hold this coveted title, a mark of excellence that indicates a golf course’s historical significance, quality, and contribution to the sport.
Most of the ‘Royal’ clubs are situated in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with notable presences in countries such as Malta, Kenya, Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The ‘Royal’ title can be acquired in two primary ways: by inviting a member of the royal family to become an honorary member or by applying formally for the designation from the reigning monarch. However, not all clubs featuring ‘Royal’ in their name possess the official designation; only those recognized on ranking lists can claim this status.
This week, Royal Portrush Golf Club is capturing attention as it hosts The Open Championship, an esteemed event in the golfing calendar. The club is a favorite among golf enthusiasts, particularly noted for its scenic views and playability. Specific challenges at Royal Portrush include significant elevation changes, such as a thrilling downhill tee shot that descends toward the ocean and an uphill par 3 hole famously referred to as ‘Calamity.’
The landscape of ‘Royal’ golf clubs also boasts courses like Royal Dornoch, recognized for its beautifully rugged terrain and challenging play. It has been rated by Golf Digest as the top international course, and golfers have flocked to it three times since 2015. In contrast, the composite course at Royal Melbourne faces skepticism; the limited accessibility for the general public renders its ranking questionable, as only professional players and a select few club members typically have the opportunity to play there.
Royal Troon’s Old Course, on the other hand, is celebrated for its unique par 3 hole known as the ‘Postage Stamp,’ which measures under 150 yards yet provides a formidable challenge. Conversely, despite its role as a host for 15 Open Championships, Royal St. George’s comes in lower on the list of favorites due to a perceived lack of visual excitement throughout the course.
Improvements have been a priority at Royal Durban, which has undergone renovations since 2016 and has garnered positive reviews for its enhancements. Similarly, Royal Dublin has successfully restored its bunkers and maintained classic design elements through renovations concluded in 2023. For many, Royal St. David’s carries special significance as it was the first course the author visited during a press trip, igniting a lasting passion for links golf.
Recently, Royal Sydney completed a major redesign in 2023, aiming to further elevate its stature among golfing circles. Examining the history of these prestigious clubs reveals that the concept of ‘Royal’ golf clubs began in 1833 when the Perth Golfing Society sought royal patronage from King William IV. Earning the ‘Royal’ status requires a formal application and approval from the reigning monarch, reflecting that clubs must meet certain operational standards and maintain financial stability.
Over the course of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign from 1952 to 2022, nine new courses were added to the list of those holding the ‘Royal’ designation, showcasing the enduring appeal and legacy of these establishments. Beyond the British Isles, there are also six courses in Canada and eight in Australia that have earned the prestigious ‘Royal’ title, among others spread around the globe.
The term ‘Royal’ is reserved for clubs that not only exhibit long-standing eminence but also demonstrate a commitment to national, charitable, or scientific causes, establishing their legacy within the golfing world. Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to share their thoughts on favorite ‘Royal’ courses and the rankings to foster a collective appreciation for these iconic landscapes.
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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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
