The R&A Clubhouse on St Andrews Day

The R&A Clubhouse on St Andrews Day is a short golf blog post that takes a look inside the world’s most famous clubhouse. Every year on St Andrews Day (30th November), the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse opens its doors to the public. It is free to enter and there are club members on hand to show you around and to answer any questions. The Vestibule On entering the clubhouse, you are greeted by the famous cannon that sits in the vestibule. This cannon has been used since 1856 by the R&A. The cannon is fired at the Captain’s Drive-In event each year. At the exact moment that the new Captain hits his ball, the cannon fires a shot. The Reception Foyer Once through the vestibule, you enter the reception foyer. The reception is on your right. This area is covered in The Open Championship memorabilia. The main trophy cabinet holds just 5 trophies, all of which are amazing in their own right… AIG Women’s British Open Trophy which is held by Lydia Ko. Women’s Amateur Championship Trophy which is held by Melanie Green. The Amateur Championship Trophy which is held by Jakob Skov Oleson. The Open Championship Challenge Belt which is still held by Young Tom Morris since 1870. The Open Championship Trophy aka The Claret Jug which is held by Xander Schauffele. Spoiler alert… The Claret Jug that stands proudly in this cabinet is the one that was presented to Bobby Jones in 1927. It never leaves the building. Yes, that’s right… there are more Claret Jug Trophies than you think. The South Room or Trophy Room To the left of the Reception is what the members call the Spike Bar and Trophy Room. On the right-hand wall is a row of Cabinets. They show off the amazing medals and trophies that are played for every year. These include a Kangaroo Paw (which is also a lighter) a silver box called The Bobby Jones Casket and lots lots more. The most impressive-looking cabinet contains the Captain’s Silver Balls. These are 3 crossed putters that are full of silver balls. The silver balls represent all of the past Captains of the club. Once a Captain has hit a ceremonial tee shot, the ball is collected by a Caddie and returned to the Captain. This ball is encased in silver (unless he has Royal blood, in which case it will be encased in gold) and attached to the putter. The cabinets also hold some old golf clubs belonging to Old Tom Morris, Young Tom Morris, Willie Park Junior & Willie Fernie. There are more clubs belonging to Harry Vardon, James Braid, Gene Sarazen, Henry Cotton and Bob Charles too. The Main Lounge On entering this room, I couldn’t help but feel like a little boy on Christmas day because of the excitement. The views of the Old Course from the bay window and the decor in this room are jaw-dropping. Paintings of Queen Elizabeth and Sir Michael Bonallack are stunning because they look like photos. I love the painting of Old Tom Morris too because I have a print of it at home. The largest painting is of the Captains Driving In Ceremony which also includes 6 hidden dogs which you have to spot. Below your feet is Scotland’s largest single-piece fitted carpet which weighs over half a ton. The walls are lined with the members’ wooden lockers and there is a 40-year waiting list to obtain one. I took a look at the drinks menu, which threw me back somewhat because the prices were so cheap. There are 2 different sorts of Whisky on the menu including Whisky no.1 and Whisky no.2. Whisky no.1 is a Speyside Single Malt at 2.95 for a 35ml measure or 4.95 for a 50ml measure. Whisky no.2 is an Island Single Malt which has a slight peaty taste to it, but not too strong. The Corridor Along the Corridor toward the Members Room & Snooker Room (To which entry is not allowed), there is another cabinet. This time the cabinet is full of historic golf clubs which include old Hickory clubs from Hollands Kolf to the Water Niblick. There are even clubs in the cabinet that are adjustable which only proves it isn’t just a modern thing to make adjustable clubs. If you are in the town on St Andrews Day, then I highly recommend that you visit this fascinating building. What are your thoughts on The R&A Clubhouse on St Andrews Day? Please leave a comment by filling out a Contact Form. To read more of my golf blog posts, click here.