How many 'ROYAL' golf clubs have actually been given the Royal seal of approval?

With the British Royal Family very much in the spotlight this week following Megan Markle and Prince Harry's incredible interview with Oprah Winfrey, we thought what better time to explore the Royal Family's long tradition with a spot of golf. 

Did you know there are just over 60 golf clubs, spread across 14 countries around the globe that have been awarded the 'Royal' title from the British Royal Family? No? Well, you do now. 

While the Kings of Scotland once tried to ban the game as it was causing too many interruptions to archery practice towards the end of the 15th century, things began to change when James VI became James I of England and he began to promote the game south of the border. 

But just because a golf course has the word 'Royal' in its title does not always guarantee that it has been granted 'Royal' status. 

For example, the Royal Tara Golf Club in Ireland is only called that because it's located near the Hill of Tara where the ancient Kings of Ireland once lived. 

Additionally, the Royal Spring Golf Course in India goes by that name due to the course boasting four natural springs that were used centuries ago by the Mughal emperors. However, it is observed locally to be 'Royal'.

The Royal Links Golf in Las Vegas in the United States is another  without 'Royal' connections, however, it was built to recognise the traditions of the game. Its 18 holes are inspired by 11 different Open Championship courses including the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Royal Lytham & St Annes, and Royal Birkdale.

Anyway, without further ado, here is the official list of 'Royal' Golf Clubs around the world and the year they were each granted 'Royal' status: 

Royal North Devon - 1867 by Queen Victoria

Royal Liverpool - 1867 by Queen Victoria

Royal Musselburgh - 1876 by Queen Victoria

Royal Jersey - 1879 by Queen Victoria

Royal Wimbledon - 1882 by Queen Victoria

Royal Isle of Wight - 1882 by Queen Victoria

Royal Montreal - 1884 by Queen Victoria

Royal Belfast - 1885 by Queen Victoria

Royal Ascot - 1887 by Queen Victoria

Royal Eastbourne - 1887 by Queen Victoria

Royal Cromer - 1888 by Queen Victoria

Royal Malta - 1888 by Prince Alfred

Royal Epping Forest - 1888 by Queen Victoria

Royal Guernsey - 1891 by Queen Victoria

Royal Dublin - 1891 by Queen Victoria

Royal West Norfolk - 1892 by Queen Victoria

Royal Portrush - 1892 by Queen Victoria

Royal Ashdown - 1893 by Queen Victoria

Royal Norwich - 1893 by Queen Victoria

Royal Worlington & Newmarket - 1895 by Queen Victoria

Royal Melbourne - 1895 by Queen Victoria

Royal Sydney - 1897 by Queen Victoria

Royal Blackheath - 1901 by King Edward VII

Royal Household - 1901 by King Edward VII

Royal St George's - 1902 by King Edward VII

Royal Aberdeen - 1903 by King Edward VII

Royal Dornoch - 1906 by King Edward VII

Royal County Down - 1908 by King Edward VII

Royal St Davids - 1908 by King Edward VII

Royal Porthcawl - 1909 by King Edward VII

Curragh - 1910 by King Edward VII

Royal Cinque Ports - 1910 by King Edward VII

Royal Cape - 1910 by King George V

Royal Calcutta - 1911 by King George V

Royal Ottawa - 1912 by King George V

Royal Winchester - 1913 by King George V

Royal Queensland - 1921 by King George V

Royal Adelaide - 1923 by King George V

Royal Port Alfred - 1924 by King George V

Duff House Royal - 1925 by King George V

Royal Hobart - 1925 by King George V

Royal Lytham & St Annes - 1926 by King George V

Royal Tarlair - 1926 by King George V

Royal Mid-Surrey - 1926 by King George V

Royal Colombo - 1928 by King George V

Royal Cape Zimbabwe - 1929 by King George V

Royal Burgess - 1929 by King George V

Royal Fremantle - 1930 by King George V

Royal Colwood - 1931 by King George V

Royal Johannesburg - 1931 by King George V

Royal Durban - 1932 by King George V

Royal Canberra - 1933 by King George V

Royal Quebec - 1934 by King George V

Royal Nairobi - 1935 by King George V

Royal Perth - 1937 by King George VI

Royal Birkdale - 1951 by King George VI

Royal Selangor - 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Troon - 1978 by Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Regina - 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Marianske Lazne - 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Wellington - 2004 by Prince Andrew

Royal Mayfair Golf & Country Club - 2005 by Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Homburger - 2013 by Queen Elizabeth II

How many of those courses have you played before? Share your thoughts and comments over on our social media channels. 

Explore the UK's "Royal" golf courses with a Golf Travel Centre UK golf break.