The R&A Clubhouse

A few years ago, I submitted my Masters dissertation on the History of Golf Clubhouse Architecture in St Andrews - with the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse taking centre stage. I think it's a fascinating building, and there is perhaps no other image so iconic to the game of golf.

It can be seen from as far as three miles away on your drive into town, and it induces the same excitement and expectation on every return visit. Once in sight, you know you've reached golf's original mecca - the Links at St Andrews.

However, it didn't always appear how it does today. In fact it's had many rebirths and additions made throughout it's illustrious history. The story of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews begins on May 14, 1754 , when a group of 22 noblemen and gentlemen of Fife presented a silver club to be played for over the Links. But the clubhouse did not originally stand on its current position of behind the first tee until 1854. This first edition was a one-storey building designed by George Rae that provided washing facilities and space to store boxes of clubs. There was also provision made for smoking, dining, billiards and cards. In fact for those of you that have been to Royal Troon, I am of the opinion that this original clubhouse appeared very similar to their building down on the west coast.

With each expansion however, less and less of George Rae's original building became visible. Jesse Hall and then J.L. Fogo were the next to turn their hand at expanding and improving the form of the building. Each architect added his own theme and ideas to the overall vision, but mainly the changes were of a functional purpose. Over the years, the clubhouse has seen almost a dozen major changes in form by seven different architects. It is a clubhouse that has evolved with the needs of the members, and the changing of the times.

I have read various accounts by art and architecture historians, very much more decorated than myself, who have described the building as 'unpleasing to the eye' or a 'Victorian Monster'. Perhaps you need to be a golfer to understand it's true beauty and connotations. True, it's somewhat of a 'tardis', pieced together by a collection of different designers with various motives and aspirations, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I think it paints a magnificent picture of Classical, Victorian and Neo-Classical architecture down through the years, an evolving masterpiece that is etched into the minds of millions of golfers around the world. Just something to think about next time you're teeing off on The Old Course...