He will take over at the traditional "driving in" ceremony at the Old Course, St Andrews, on September 18.

Hamish Ritchie joined the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1974 and served as a member of the General Committee from 1994 - 1998.

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 1964-1965. A member of the Oxford & Cambridge Golfing Society, he was captain from 1994-1996. He became captain of his home club, Denham Golf Club, in 1993 and was chairman from 2000 - 2004.

An insurance broker, Hamish 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 undertook until 2004.

Now retired and living in Buckinghamshire, Hamish 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 is also a member of the MCC.