How Many Royal Golf Courses Are There in the World?

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How Many Royal Golf Courses Are There?

The term “Royal Golf Course” is often used to refer to any golf course that has been granted a royal title by a member of the British royal family. However, there are actually only a handful of golf courses in the world that have been officially designated as “Royal.”

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Royal golf courses, and we’ll explore the different criteria that must be met in order for a golf course to be granted a royal title. We’ll also provide a list of all the Royal golf courses in the world, along with some information about each course.

So, if you’re ever wondering how many Royal golf courses there are, or you’re just curious to learn more about these exclusive courses, then read on!

Rank Name Country
1 Royal St. George’s Golf Club United Kingdom
2 The Old Course at St Andrews United Kingdom
3 Turnberry Golf Club United Kingdom
4 Royal Liverpool Golf Club United Kingdom
5 Royal Troon Golf Club United Kingdom

History of Royal Golf Courses

The origins of royal golf courses can be traced back to the 15th century in Scotland. The game was originally played on common land, and it was not until the 18th century that the first royal golf courses were built. These courses were reserved for the use of the king and his court, and they were often located in close proximity to the royal palaces.

The first royal golf course in Scotland was built at St Andrews in 1754. This course is still in use today, and it is considered to be one of the most famous golf courses in the world. Other notable royal golf courses in Scotland include Muirfield, Royal Troon, and Royal Dornoch.

In the 19th century, the game of golf began to spread to other parts of the world, and royal golf courses were built in countries such as England, Ireland, and the United States. These courses were often built on land that was owned by the royal family or by members of the aristocracy.

The role of royal golf courses in society has changed over time. In the early days of the game, royal golf courses were seen as a symbol of status and power. Today, they are still considered to be prestigious, but they are also open to the public. Royal golf courses are often used to host major golf tournaments, and they are also popular destinations for tourists.

Different Types of Royal Golf Courses

There are three main types of royal golf courses: public, private, and semi-private.

  • Public royal golf courses are open to the public and can be played by anyone. These courses are typically owned by the government or by a public corporation.
  • Private royal golf courses are only open to members and their guests. These courses are typically owned by private individuals or organizations.
  • Semi-private royal golf courses are a hybrid of public and private courses. These courses are open to the public, but they offer a variety of membership benefits.

The type of royal golf course that you choose will depend on your budget and your playing preferences. If you are looking for a course that is affordable and accessible, then a public royal golf course is a good option. If you are looking for a course that is exclusive and offers a high level of service, then a private royal golf course is a better choice.

Royal golf courses are a unique and important part of the history of the game of golf. These courses are often steeped in tradition and offer a level of prestige that is unmatched by other types of golf courses. If you are ever given the opportunity to play a royal golf course, it is an experience that you will never forget.

How Many Royal Golf Courses Are There?

There are approximately 200 royal golf courses in the world. The term “royal” is used to denote a golf course that has been granted a royal charter by a monarch or other head of state. Royal golf courses are typically associated with prestige and tradition, and they often offer a high level of service and amenities.

The Top Royal Golf Courses in the World

The following are some of the top royal golf courses in the world:

  • The Royal St. George’s Golf Course in Sandwich, England is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. It was founded in 1887 and has hosted the Open Championship 14 times. The course is known for its challenging layout and its stunning views of the English Channel.
  • The Royal Troon Golf Course in Troon, Scotland is another classic links course that has hosted the Open Championship 10 times. The course is known for its fast greens and its challenging bunkers.
  • The Royal Birkdale Golf Course in Southport, England is a links course that has hosted the Open Championship 11 times. The course is known for its wide fairways and its challenging rough.
  • The Royal Melbourne Golf Course in Victoria, Australia is a parkland course that has hosted the Australian Open 11 times. The course is known for its tree-lined fairways and its challenging greens.
  • The Royal Adelaide Golf Course in South Australia, Australia is a parkland course that has hosted the Australian Open 10 times. The course is known for its rolling fairways and its challenging bunkers.

The Future of Royal Golf Courses

The future of royal golf courses is uncertain. On the one hand, these courses are often seen as symbols of tradition and prestige, and they continue to attract a loyal following of golfers. On the other hand, royal golf courses are expensive to maintain, and they face increasing competition from other types of golf courses.

Some of the challenges facing royal golf courses include:

  • The rising cost of land and maintenance. Royal golf courses are often located on prime real estate, and the cost of maintaining these courses is constantly rising.
  • The increasing competition from other types of golf courses. Royal golf courses are competing for golfers with a variety of other types of golf courses, including public courses, private courses, and resort courses.
  • The changing demographics of the golfing population. The golfing population is aging, and younger golfers are less interested in playing traditional links courses.

Despite these challenges, royal golf courses continue to play an important role in the world of golf. These courses are often steeped in history and tradition, and they offer a unique golfing experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Opportunities for Royal Golf Courses

Despite the challenges they face, royal golf courses also have a number of opportunities. These courses can:

  • Attract golfers from all over the world. Royal golf courses are often considered to be some of the best golf courses in the world, and they attract golfers from all over the world.
  • Generate revenue from tourism. Royal golf courses can generate revenue from tourism by attracting visitors from outside the local area.
  • Be used for corporate events. Royal golf courses can be used for corporate events such as golf tournaments, meetings, and conferences.

The Future of Royal Golf Courses in Society

The future of royal golf courses in society is uncertain. However, these courses are likely to continue to play an important role in the world of golf for many years to come. Royal golf courses are often seen as symbols of tradition and prestige, and they offer a unique golfing experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

How many Royal Golf Courses are there?

There are currently 18 Royal Golf Courses around the world. The first Royal Golf Course was founded in 1861 at St Andrews in Scotland.

What are the most famous Royal Golf Courses?

Some of the most famous Royal Golf Courses include:

  • Royal St George’s Golf Club (England)
  • Royal Troon Golf Club (Scotland)
  • Royal Birkdale Golf Club (England)
  • Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Australia)
  • Royal Adelaide Golf Club (Australia)

What are the criteria for a golf course to be granted the title of “Royal”?

There are no official criteria for a golf course to be granted the title of “Royal”. However, most Royal Golf Courses have a long history and are considered to be among the best in the world.

What are the benefits of playing a Royal Golf Course?

Playing a Royal Golf Course can offer a number of benefits, including:

  • The opportunity to play on a course with a rich history and tradition
  • The chance to challenge yourself against some of the best golf courses in the world
  • The opportunity to meet and play with other golfers from around the world

Are there any special requirements for playing a Royal Golf Course?

There are no special requirements for playing a Royal Golf Course, however, some courses may have dress codes or other requirements. It is always best to check the course’s website or contact the pro shop before you play.

there are 18 Royal Golf Courses in the world. These courses are located in some of the most beautiful and exclusive places on earth, and they offer a truly unique golfing experience. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a seasoned pro, playing a round of golf on a Royal Golf Course is a bucket list item that should not be missed.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.

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