First Canadian Captain of St. Andrews officially begins year in office

Bruce Mitchell, left, and Oliver Mennie. (The R&A)

Bruce Mitchell officially began his year in office as a Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) with a traditional driving-in ceremony on Friday.

The ceremony included Mitchell teeing off at the first tee of the Old Course at St. Andrews complete with a firing of a cannon coinciding with the moment of impact with his drive.

His caddie, Oilver Mennie, was rewarded with a gold Maple Leaf for the return of the historic ball.

On May 4, it was announced that Mitchell would become the first-ever Canadian Captain of the R&A.

As Captain, he will represent the R&A and help with the development and promotion of golf around the world. He will also attend all R&A championships and serve as ambassador for the club.

Mitchell’s resume includes being the founder, owner and president of Permian Industries; serving on the board of directors of the Bank of Montreal; president of The Toronto Golf Club in 1996-97; and a member of the R&A since 1988.

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