Royal captain for R&A

The Duke of York will become the fifth member of the Royal family in more than a century to captain the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews when he takes office for the year 2003-04 to coincide with the club's 250th anniversary.

The Duke, who plays off a handicap of seven, is an honorary member of the R&A
along with his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Kent. The Duke's nomination is a major coup for both the club and the town, and follows the recent announcement that his nephew, Prince William, will study at St Andrews University from next year.

Traditionally, the new captain is not announced until May of the preceding year. But Peter Dawson, secretary of the R&A, said the decision had been brought forward "to facilitate the administration of the special events planned in celebration of this occasion."

The Duke of York is a regular visitor to St Andrews and has taken part in
several of the club's competitions. He became an R&A member in 1992 and
currently serves on the Amateur Status Committee.

As captain of the R&A, the Duke will play himself into office by hitting the first drive on the final day of the club's autumn medal meeting over the Old Course - a ceremony which dates back to the early 1830s.