HRH to Captain R&A

The Past Captains of the R&A at St Andrews announced today that they have nominated His Royal Highness The Duke of York, as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club for the Year 2003 - 2004.

Prince Andrew, a keen golfer with a handicap of 7 became a member of the Club in 1992 and is currently a member of the Amateur Status Committee.

The Duke of York is the only high profile member of the Royal household to play the game and is a keen supporter of major events. He supports the Ryder Cup each time at the venue and always attends the Open Championship, as he did yet again this year at St Andrews.

Nick Faldo is partly responsible for helping HRH become such a steady player and in return, His Royal Highness has asked the six-time major winner to extend the Royal Golf Course within the grounds of Windsor Castle.

If selected as Captain, the Duke of York will become only the sixth member of the Royal family to Captain the 250-year old club who sit in charge of all golf matters throughout the world.

The Five members of the Royal Family who have previously Captained the Club are

1863 H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII)

1876 H.R.H. Prince Leopold

1922 H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward Vlll)

1930 H.R.H. The Duke of York (later King George VI)

1937 H.R.H. The Duke of Kent.