the Royal and Ancient
/ðə ˌrɔɪəl ən ˈeɪnʃənt/
/ðə ˌrɔɪəl ən ˈeɪnʃənt/
- an organization, formed in 2004 and based at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which was established in 1754 at St Andrews, Scotland and formerly carried out the functions of the present Royal and Ancient. The organization is recognized as the world's leading authority on the rules of golf (except in the US). It also organizes the Open golf competition. It is now separate from the golf club.