The R&A, wanting to celebrate golf at Royal Troon this week, has the Duke of York as an honorary member and may fear a backlash if his status with the club were to change
This marks a big week for the R&A. Its corporate wing, denied a week in the sun with a 2020 Open Championship, will seek to emphasise everything that is positive about the sport – in such obscure times – as the Women’s Open rolls into Royal Troon. Yet one element of the backdrop should sit awkwardly. Prince Andrew, a past captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, is still a part of its present. “HRH The Duke of York is an honorary member of the club,” confirmed a spokesman. “He does not currently carry out any duties on its behalf. We would not comment further on matters relating to individual members.”
When Andrew was in effect suspended from royal duties by the Queen in November, he admitted: “The circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.” It is curious his golf attachments – of which there are so many – remain.
Related: 'I’m not the biggest fan of links golf': Charley Hull cold on Royal Troon
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