"The R&A is golf's world rules and development body and organiser of The Open Championship.

It operates with the consent of more than 125 national and international, amateur and professional organisations, from over 110 countries and on behalf of an estimated 28 million golfers in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas (outside the USA and Mexico).

The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the game's governing body in the United States and Mexico.

The R&A takes its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which has continuous records dating back to its foundation in 1754, and although the Club continues its long history with 2,400 members throughout the world, The R&A has become a separate entity to focus on its governance role."