The R&A - How We Operate

Introduction

Golf is played by more than 100 million people across the world. The sport has enjoyed a significant increase in popularity with an additional ten million adult golfers playing the sport worldwide since 2016. As we aim to attract more people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities into the game, The R&A is at the forefront of modernising the sport and making it more accessible and welcoming to all. Mark Darbon is the Chief Executive of The R&A, supported by an Executive Leadership.

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. Royal Lytham & St Annes will stage the AIG Women’s Open from 29 July to 2 August 2026.

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.

WAGR®

World Amateur Golf Ranking®

The World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) comprises a women’s ranking and a men’s ranking for elite amateur players, administered by The R&A and USGA. A global golf service, WAGR currently incorporates over 5,700 events with over 7,500 players.

Full Rankings Here

Disability Rankings