In a move that will surprise absolutely nobody who has seen him in action, David Rickman has received an MBE in HM the King’s New Year Honours List for his decades-long dedication to golf.
After a 37-year run at The R&A in his hometown of St Andrews, Rickman recently stepped down from his post, leaving behind a legacy that’s become part of the sport’s fabric.
“It’s a great honour to receive an MBE and I am delighted at this unexpected recognition,” he said.
“I have been extremely fortunate to enjoy a career in a sport I love and to work for both The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and The R&A.
I couldn’t be more grateful to the many people who helped and mentored me along the way and to all my colleagues over the years.
I am hugely appreciative of everything that golf has given me on a personal and professional level.”
If anyone deserved a standing ovation for services to the game, it’s the man who has practically lived and breathed golf from the moment he first walked onto the Old Course.
Over the years, Rickman proved himself indispensable as an expert Rules official, keeping a watchful eye on more than 130 big-ticket events around the globe.
He took the reins as Chief Referee for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon—his 34th Open and 28th time commanding the Rules team.
His last official R&A event was the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews in August, a fitting final bow in the place he calls home.
His work went far beyond The Open, too. Rickman logged years of experience at other major championships, Masters Tournaments, and amateur showdowns like the Walker Cup.
Along the way, he built strong partnerships with the United States Golf Association, taking on landmark governance issues.
He played key roles in modernising the Rules of Golf and updating the Rules of Amateur Status.
He was front and centre for the 2004 Joint Statement of Principles on Equipment Standards, the Distance Insights project, and helped launch the World Handicap System in 2020.
A native of St Andrews, Rickman studied Business Studies and Accountancy at the University of Edinburgh before returning home to join The R&A in 1987.
By the end of 1995, he was head of the Rules department, eventually stepping into the role of Executive Director – Governance, overseeing the Rules of Golf, Amateur Status, Equipment Standards, and Handicapping.
In 2016, Rickman took on the role of The R&A’s Chief of Staff, guiding HR and Facilities, and in January 2023, was entrusted with developing the new R&A staff building at St Andrews West, set to open in 2026.
Even in retirement, this dedicated ambassador for the game leaves a considerable footprint on the fairways of history.
Rickman’s passion for golf has always been evident. Now, his MBE brings well-earned recognition, shining a spotlight on a man who helped shape the sport’s future—one rule change, one championship, and one handshake at a time.
