R&A Captain Named

Past captains of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews have announced they've nominated Hamish M.J. Ritchie as captain for 2008-09. Ritchie will assume the office during the traditional "Driving In" ceremony on September 18 on the first tee of the Old Course.

Ritchie joined the R&A in 1974 and served as a member of the General Committee from 1994-98. Born in Milngavie near Glasgow, he was educated at Loretto, East Lothian and Christ Church, Oxford. He was an Oxford Blue, and held the captaincy of Oxford University Golf Club from 1964-65. A member of the Oxford & Cambridge Golfing Society, Ritchie was captain from 1994-96. He became captain of his home club, Denham Golf Club, in 1993 and was chairman there from 2000-04.

An insurance broker by trade, Ritchie began his career with Hogg Robinson where he worked for 16 years. He moved to Marsh Limited in 1981 and became chairman of Marsh & McLennan Companies (UK) in 2000, a role he held until 2004.

Now retired and living in Buckinghamshire, Ritchie is married to Carol. They have two adult children. He is a member of Rye Golf Club, Chechessee Creek Club and the Duke's Golf Club and plays to a handicap of 11. He's also a member of the MCC.