New R&A captain drives into office in St Andrews as hundreds watch ceremony

by · The Courier

Retired lawyer Ian Pattinson has driven his way into office as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

The traditional ceremony – which sees the new captain hit a drive on the Old Course first tee to the sound of a cannon firing – took place at 8am on Friday morning.

He succeeds Fife businessman Neil Donaldson in the role.

Crowds gather for the St Andrews ceremony. Image: The R&A

The dad-of-two, from Cambridge, said: “I am honoured and privileged to serve as captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and to be an ambassador for both the club and The R&A as it carries out its responsibilities to the sport around the world.

“It was humbling to see so many people behind the tee this morning and I am very grateful to everyone who came along.

“I was very happy and relieved to hit a decent drive.”

‘Really lucky’

Tradition dictates St Andrews Links caddies line the fairway to retrieve the golf ball and exchange it for a gold sovereign – bearing the head of King Charles – from the new captain.

Mike Lowe was the man in the right place.

The 42-year-old, from Manchester, said: “This is my first season caddying in St Andrews and I have been looking forward to this all year.

“I got down here early, which is just like me being too eager.

Caddie Mike Lowe and captain Ian Pattinson. Image: The R&A

“But I ended up being the one to return the ball, so I am really lucky.

“Ian is a lovely man. He congratulated me and told me all about how special the medal is.

“I wished him well for his captaincy and the season ahead.”

Highly-experienced golf referee Mr Pattinson was a rules official at The Open from 1995 to 2018 and has also officiated at The Masters.

His other previous roles include serving as the R&A’s rules advisor to the BBC and Sky Sports.