The R&A once had no women members?

For more than 260 years, membership of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was limited to men. When the club was founded in 1754, golf was very much a male-dominated social activity, reflecting the customs of society at that time. While women had always played an important role in the growth of golf, they were not eligible to join the R&A as members.

That changed in 2014, when members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club voted overwhelmingly to admit women for the first time in the club’s history. The historic decision was approved by more than 85% of members, marking a significant moment for one of golf’s oldest institutions.

The first women to become honorary members included some of the most influential figures in golf and public life, such as Princess Anne, Annika Sörenstam and Laura Davies. Their admission recognized the enormous contribution women have made to the sport, both as players and ambassadors.