The R&A World Golf Museum Reopens After 18 Month Closure

The R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrew (formally known as the British Golf Museum) has been closed since early 2020 and has undergone an extensive development that claims to be a five-star visitor experience.

What began as a cabinet of curiosities in the back in the 1800s has now evolved to become one of the world’s most esteemed sporting museums.

The World Golf Museum has had its galleries redisplayed and reinterpreted and will present the story of golf with six new thematic zones with each zone designed to engage and entertain through experiential and video displays. The R&A hope visitors will be charmed and inspired as the past, present and future of golf is brought to life through a new range of immersive and interactive displays.

Angela Howe, director of museum and heritage at The R&A said, “Our goal when developing The R&A World Golf Museum was to re-imagine the golf heritage experience; making it appealing to established golf fans whilst attracting and educating those new to the sport.

“The refurbishment of the galleries provides a modern back drop for people to learn about golf’s heritage via immersive, interactive and interesting exhibits.”

The R&A World Golf Museum will also feature an exhibition celebrating the life of legendary golfer Severino Ballesteros. Seve – His Life Through the Lens. It will run for 18 months from July 2021 and continue throughout the 150th Open in St Andrews in 2022. Visitors will enjoy a unique collection dedicated to Seve’s greatest achievements in golf, including winning The Open on three occasions in 1979, 1984 and 1988.

Phil Anderton, executive director and chief development officer at The R&A said: “Golf is synonymous with St Andrews – it was first played here in the 1500s and The Old Course is the first 18-hole course in the world, so it is fitting that The R&A World Golf Museum resides just steps from its first tee.

“Golf is rich in tradition which has been built through centuries of enjoyment. It is these traditions and the evolution of the game which are explored in the galleries of The R&A World Golf Museum.

“Through the interactive galleries we hope to engage with current and new fans to deepen their knowledge and connection to golf.”

In addition to the galleries and wealth of golfing history on display, The R&A World Golf Museum will also include a shop and café which overlook the famous old course and West Sands Beach.