The R&A World Golf Museum

About the museum

The museum opened in 1990 as the British Golf Museum, in a building behind the clubhouse of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews. It was set up to tell the story of golf from its medieval origins on the east coast of Scotland, and it grew into a major collection covering equipment, clothing, art, documents and memorabilia from both the men's and women's game and from amateur and professional play.

The building was renovated and extended in the 2010s, with the new spaces finished in 2015. After a complete redevelopment, the museum reopened in June 2021 under a new name, The R&A World Golf Museum, and is owned and run by The R&A. The new galleries use film, sound, hands-on activities and original objects to present the game as a global story.

Today six galleries lead visitors from the home of golf in St Andrews, through the traditions of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the evolution of the game, to equipment and course design, players and championships, and golf around the world. A Learning Room, a dress-up area and a putting green give families their own activities, and the museum's curators offer guided tours and research access to the collection.

Highlights

• More than 100 historic golf clubs on display
• Immersive gallery on The Open and other championships with a putting green
• Golf fashion and equipment through the centuries
• The traditions and treasures of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club
• Walter Hagen's 1929 Open driver and early golf society items

Permanent exhibitions

• The Home of Golf – The close relationship between golf and the town of St Andrews, from the medieval links to the world-famous courses.
• Evolution of the Game – How a ball-and-stick game of medieval Europe became a global sport, told with objects and classic film.
• Players and Championships – Great champions and matches, ending with an immersive Open Championship experience and an interactive putting green.

Founded

1990

Operated by

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews Trust (The R&A)

Admission & discounts

The prices are the regular prices (booked less than 48 hours ahead or at the museum). Tickets booked online at least 48 hours in advance cost £1.50 less, for example £16.00 for an adult.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The reception, shop and galleries are on one level, and a lift links the ground level with the cafe on the upper level. There is a ramp to the entrance on Golf Place by the car park exit. The accessible toilet on the ground level also has baby changing facilities; a Changing Places facility is in the public toilets in the Bruce Embankment car park. Folding stools can be borrowed. A sensory map and a social story can be downloaded or collected, and the Learning Room serves as a quiet space. Light levels in the galleries are low; staff can guide visitors and describe objects aloud on request. Carers are admitted free. Four disabled parking bays are in the Bruce Embankment car park, with about 50 steps up to the entrance; there is a drop-off point at street level, and Blue Badge holders park free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Hands-on galleries, a Learning Room for drawing and crafts, a dress-up area and an interactive putting green. Sensory bags can be borrowed. Children aged 16 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Learning programme with workshops and crafts, school sessions and a youth programme.

Getting there & parking

The museum stands opposite the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. There is a coach drop-off point beside the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Clarets Cafe and Brasserie on the upper level with views over the Old Course. The R&A Shop on the ground level. A small number of lockers; please do not bring large luggage. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in Clarets only, not in the galleries or shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Private events and tailored experiences, including exclusive curator-guided tours.

Plan your visit