The R&A, a privately owned organization headquartered in the UK, operates as a tier 1 media tech buyer. Founded in 2004 as a merger between the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (founded in 1754) and the Women's Golf Association, the company employs approximately 230 individuals and focuses on spectator sports. The R&A functions as the governing body for golf in most countries globally, with the exception of the United States and Mexico, which are governed by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Its responsibilities include setting the rules of golf, organizing championships, and promoting the sport worldwide. The organization is based in St. Andrews, Scotland, a location known as the "home of golf."
On October 1, 2026, the Old Course at St Andrews introduced its latest evolution, offering golfers competing in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship their first experience of the changes. The R&A and St Andrews Links Trust agreed on these subtle makeovers in preparation for The 155th Open Championship scheduled for next summer. Previously, on September 22, Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A announced their continued alignment on aspects of the 2027 qualification criteria for the Masters Tournament and The Open. This alignment awards invitations to winners and top finishers of select national Opens. Earlier, on September 21, both organizations confirmed that the winner of the Link Hong Kong Open will receive an invitation to the Masters Tournament for the second consecutive year, as part of this ongoing collaboration which builds on a system introduced for the current year’s championships. Also on September 21, The R&A and USGA published a Notice to Manufacturers, following up on the Notice to Manufacturers Regarding Distance Insights and a joint statement issued on June 17, 2026, by the USGA, The R&A, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour.
The R&A offers 5 products in the sports and media and telecoms services industries. The R&A's product portfolio comprises of golf and media and TV services.
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The R&A sells broadcasting rights of its 4 golf competitions to 28 companies globally, covering 8 countries. The R&A's rights holders include Telefonica.
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