The R&A is a private golf club and is also the governing body of golf throughout the world outside the USA. It runs major championships including the Open and reviews the rules of golf.
The R&A does not own the Old Course - the Links land and all the courses are public. However, The R&A has had a long and close connection with those responsible for the Links. For many years this was the the Town Council. Then in 1974, with the abolition of St Andrews Town Council , a new Act of Parliament created St Andrews Links Trust, an independent and charitable body charged with the running and protection of the courses.
The relationship with the R&A continues today and three of its members are nominated to the Board of the Trustees and the Links Management Committee of St Andrews Links Trust.
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