St Andrews, Scotland: His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which has been accepted by reigning Monarchs since HM King William IV in 1834.

Martin Slumbers, Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said: “Her late Majesty’s 70-year patronage of the Club was an immense source of pride for its Members.

“We are delighted and deeply honoured to have been advised by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty, The King has accepted patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

“We now look forward to His Majesty’s support for the work of the Club and our commitment to the sport of golf across the world.”

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews holds a unique position in golf. Established in 1754, it evolved through two-and-a-half centuries as a leading authority in the world game.

As the Club celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2004 it devolved responsibility for the administration of the Rules of Golf, the running of The Open and other key events, and the development of the game in existing and emerging golfing nations, to a newly formed group of companies collectively known as The R&A.

As a separate entity The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews remains as a private golf club with a worldwide membership of more than 2,400.