Royal and Ancient Club n (Golf) the Royal and Ancient Club a golf club, headquarters of the sport’s ruling body, based in St Andrews, Scotland. Abbreviation: R&A Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014