Why Are Open Championship Venues Called ‘Royal’? History and Criteria Explained

The last major of the year is finally here! This year the Open Championship, the oldest major ever to be played in golf’s history will be held at the historical Royal Troon Golf Club. So far, we have three major champions, including Scottie Scheffler (Masters), Xander Schauffele (PGA Championship), and Bryson DeChambeau (U.S. Open).

These three major winners of 2024, along with many other top players, will compete at Royal Troon, which has hosted the Open Championship nine times before as part of the Open ROTA (rotation). The ROTA includes nine other courses selected by the R&A, six of which are designated as ‘Royal.’ Have you ever wondered why they are called ‘Royal’?

Well, the answer dates back to when the monarchy ruled Great Britain. According to the National Club Golfer, for any golf club in Britain or nearby to receive Royal status, they had to invite a member of the Royal Family to be a patron or honorary member or appeal directly to the monarchy. After meeting these criteria, the monarchy granted the ‘Royal’ title to over 60 clubs in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Thus, the six Open Championship courses—Royal Troon, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Birkdale, Royal Portrush, and Royal St. George—earned their royal designation.

These historical clubs have been part of the Open ROTA for decades (the last club designated with a Royal title was Royal Troon in 1978 by Queen Elizabeth II). Due to their status and rich history, the R&A likely chose these specific golf clubs, giving them precedence over hundreds of others.

What are the criteria to be part of Open ROTA?

The four major championships in men’s golf meticulously choose courses that challenge golfers without allowing for easily achieved scores. One of the R&A’s criteria for selecting Open ROTA courses is that they must be of championship standard and provide a significant challenge.

But that’s not all it takes to become part of the oldest major championship. The R&A also considers factors such as the club’s heritage and ownership. For example, Trump Turnberry was part of the ROTA, but the R&A has refused to hold any Open Championship there since the 45th President purchased it.

Another criterion is the club’s rules and policies. In 2016, the iconic Muirfield was removed from the ROTA when club members voted against allowing women’s membership, a decision the R&A opposed. Muirfield was reinstated in the ROTA after 10 months when women were allowed to join the club.

On top of everything, the R&A also evaluates the logistics and accessibility of the club for the general public and golfers. The R&A Official Stuart Moffat said, “We have to consider the infrastructure and logistics that will be needed to make that happen, as well as working closely with the venue, local agencies, and our partners to discuss our requirements for staging the championship at a particular course.”

Only after passing numerous criteria and checks does a golf club become eligible to host the Open Championship. Although it is a rigorous process, both fans and players are consistently satisfied with the R&A and its course selections.