Anne, The Princess Royal paid a private visit to the British Golf Museum to honour and pay tribute to the St. Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club. She was there to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary and to open their exhibition titled ‘Shining Examples: 150 years of the St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club’.
Anne met and chatted with over 100 members of the club and staff of the museum. She was welcomed by Lord Lieutenant of Fife Robert Balfour; she also toured the exhibition and unveiled a specially-comissioned painting by artist, Jennifer Thomson showing the club as it is today.
The place where the ladies of this club golf is more widely known as ‘The Himalayas’. Before its founding in 1867, there were few activities for “respectable” ladies to participate in. Over the years, the once small course has grown to include both a nine-hole and eighteen-hole course open to golfers of all ages. The club is open to the public in October and April and from September to March, weather permitting, of course.
Angela Howe, museum and heritage director, told The Courier UK: “It was a very great honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the British Golf Museum.
“By kindly agreeing to open the exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the St Andrews Ladies’ Putting Club, the occasion was made extra memorable.”
The exhibition, which runs until March of next year, features medals and trophies from women from both past and present, all brought together for the very first time. Some of the exhibits include items such as earrings, opera glasses, ornate fans and elegant white gloves.
Club president Paddy Hill said: “It is entirely appropriate that to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the St Andrews Ladies Putting Club all our trophies, medals and memorabilia have been brought together in one exhibition and we are indebted to the staff of the British Golf Museum for making this possible.
“Having HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the exhibition made the event even more special.”