A New Zealander is to fill one of the most prestigious roles in world golf.
Justice Thomas Gault was today named as the next captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) in Britain.
Steeped in tradition, the R&A captaincy dates back to May 1754.
One of New Zealand's five Supreme Court judges, Justice Gault will begin his one-year term in office on September 22.
His election was confirmed today after a meeting of the club's past captains.
Justice Gault, of Auckland, will become the R&A's first captain from New Zealand and only the second from Australasia, after Viscount Bruce, of Melbourne, in 1954.
Justice Gault joined the R&A in 1994 after having served as an advisory member of the rules of golf and amateur status committees from 1978 to 1996.
He was a British Open championship referee from 1993 to 1998.
During his earlier career in law, he became involved in golf administration that culminated in him leading the New Zealand Golf Association as its president from 1987 to 1996.
As well a being a member of the R&A, he is also a member of Paraparaumu Beach and Auckland golf clubs.
- NZPA
Golf: NZer to captain Royal and Ancient
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