The R&A is the latest international sports governing body to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine, with the Scotland-based golf organization announcing it would decline entry to any golfer from Russia or Belarus, which has supported the war that broke out last week.
The R&A – which operates the British Open and several other professional and amateur events – also plans to contribute to a humanitarian aid fund and offer support for the Ukrainian Golf Federation, which on its site lists five golf clubs inside Ukraine.
The R&A acknowledged that it expected to have had no entries this year in its championships from Russia or Belarus, making it largely a symbolic gesture of support, but it joins the International Olympic Committee and the International Golf Federation in banning athletes from Russia and Belarus.
“We have considered the situation in the context of our direct responsibilities for governance, for staging golf events and for developing and investing in the sport around the world.
The R&A fully supports the recommendations of the IOC and the International Golf Federation in excluding Russia and Belarus from international team championships.
The R&A is not currently expecting entries from Russian or Belarusian golfers in scheduled R&A-qualifying events, championships or international matches in the upcoming season, professional or amateur. In the event that we were to receive entries, we would decline.
We are reviewing the implications for matters such as international rankings and the World Handicap System.
The R&A will contribute to a humanitarian aid fund and we will offer direct support to the Ukrainian Golf Federation.”