Amateur golfers are to start having their own world ranking next month, the Royal and Ancient Club announced today.

Following an 18-month trial R&A Director Mike Tate said of the system, first proposed as a means of clarifying entry into its championships: "The level of international support for its adoption has convinced us that it will be seen throughout the golfing nations as an increasingly useful tool and as a way of comparing one elite amateur player against another.

"Until now this has been a difficult task given that many play on different continents and with different handicap systems.

"Early indications suggest that the ranking will be embraced by a significant number of the major golfing nations and we are hopeful that others will realise the benefits that can accrue through its use."

The calendar of counting events currently comprises 280 amateur events worldwide.

Majors and tour events will be included as well when a ranked player is in the field and a points average over a rolling 52-week period will be used.