The St Rule Club

Ladies have been playing golf at St Andrews since the early 1860s. At that time they played on the Caddies` Course which had four holes in a field, now a car park next to the 17th green of the famous Old Course. In 1898 encouraged by Captain Boothby of the Royal and Ancient Club a meeting of ladies in the county was called and The St Rule Club was formed.

The original aims of the club were social - to share newspapers and periodicals, to have tea and light refreshments and to have a shelter near the links. 186 ladies agreed to become members. Many of these ladies would have been members of an already existing St Andrews Ladies' Golf Club and the first name suggested for the new club was just that; however, it was finally agreed to call it The St Rule Club.

Although the club had difficult times financially, especially during the two World Wars, it now thrives with 500 lady members made up of Local, Country, Overseas and Students. Of some help to the club was the arrival of the Ladies' Golf Union in 1977 who rented the top two floors as offices. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has always given the St Rule Club every assistance and the relationship today is still very close.

Situated next to the 18th green of the Old Course, the club windows allow a superb panoramic view across the world famous St Andrews Links and West Sands towards the Angus Hills.

The St Rule Trophy, which was inaugurated by the club in 1984, is an international tournament for amateur lady golfers. This prestigious event comprises 18 holes over the New Course and 36 holes over the Old Course; it takes place annually at the end of May or beginning of June. Previous winners include Annika Sorenstam and Catriona Matthew - both leading money winners on the professional circuit.

In addition to golf, activities organised in the St Rule Club include Bridge, Book Club, Putting Club and Winter Lectures.

Hon Golf Secretary
Mrs Ellie Wilson
12 The Links
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9JB
Tel/Fax +44 (0) 1334 472988
strule.club@virgin.net