Royal and Ancient Golf Club announces Karrie Webb as honorary member

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has announced an honorary membership for one of the biggest names in the women’s game.

Seven-time major champion Karrie Webb received the invitation in recognition of her successful playing career and the ‘substantial contribution’ she has made in helping to develop the next generation of professional golfers.

The Australian completed the ‘Super Career Grand Slam’ – winning each of the five major championships in women’s golf at least once – when she claimed the AIG Women’s Open in 2002, after also winning the championship on her debut in 1995 at Woburn, and going wire-to-wire for victory in 1997 at Sunningdale.

Webb shares the record for the most AIG Women’s Open victories with Sherri Steinhauer and has finished in the championship’ top-five on eight occasions, more than any other player in the history of the event.

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The Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year in 1995, the World Golf Hall of Famer went on to become the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 1996, finishing top of the money list and becoming the first LPGA player to win $1million in a season.

“It is a privilege to be made an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and I am humbled to be joining such an esteemed group of golfers on the honorary membership roll,” said Webb.

“Simply put, I love golf and to be connected with a club which holds so much history and also shares my passion for the development of the sport is something I am very proud of.

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Ian Pattinson, the captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, added: “Karrie’s numerous victories and accolades are a testament to her talent, but more than being a great champion herself, Karrie is a role model to many young golfers and takes an active interest in the development of the next generation of Australian champions.

“She embodies many of the sporting qualities that make golf special and thoroughly deserves this recognition. We welcome Karrie into membership and look forward to seeing her in St Andrews again in the future.”

Other honorary members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews include Dame Laura Davies, Ernie Els, Pádraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Catriona Matthew, Rory McIlroy, Nick Price, Belle Robertson, Annika Sörenstam and Tiger Woods.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor