The R&A - How We Operate
Introduction
Championships
We are involved in staging leading championships and in a range of initiatives to broaden golf’s appeal on a global scale and address some of the challenges facing the sport. Staged by The R&A, The Open is golf’s original championship. Played since 1860 on iconic links golf courses, it is the sport’s most international major championship with qualifying events on every continent. It was founded by pioneering golfers who had one guiding principle – to crown the Champion Golfer of the Year. For one week each year, the pursuit of the famous Claret Jug trophy is the focus of the sporting world, followed globally by millions of fans. The Open delivers an annual economic benefit of up to £100 million to its host region, while the Championship’s commercial success supports the development of the game worldwide. The R&A also oversees the AIG Women’s Open, one of the five major championships in professional women’s golf, and attracts competitors from across the world. It acts as a championship to inspire all ages, is played at world-class venues and has title partnership from AIG to 2025.
Other Work and Activities
Working with the USGA, the Rules of Golf have been modernised and updated and a new World Handicap System (WHS) has been developed to create a consistent measure of playing ability for all golfers, regardless of nationality, ability, age or gender.
In 2018, The R&A introduced the first Women in Golf Charter as part of its drive to increase the number of women and girls participating in golf and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the golf industry.
The R&A also organises leading amateur championships, such as The Amateur and The Women's Amateur championships, and Home International matches. We also manage Great Britain and Ireland teams for the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, Vagliano Trophy and Jacques Léglise Trophy.
Women & Girls' Golf