Royal Aberdeen to host 2011 Walker Cup

LONDON, May 8 (Reuters) The historic Royal Aberdeen Golf Club will host the 2011 Walker Cup, the Royal and Ancient said in a news release today.

The Scottish links course has been a venue for championships at every level of golf since it was founded in 1780.

The club received its royal title from King Edward VII in 1903 and the 'five minute rule', now universally applied as the time allowed to search for a lost ball, was first adopted by members at Aberdeen in 1783.

The US, who beat Britain and Ireland by 12 1/2 points to 11 1/2 in Chicago last year, will defend the Walker Cup at Royal County Down, Newcastle in 2007. The 2009 match is due to take place at Merion Golf Club, Pennsylvania.

The amateur team competition is held every two years.

Reuters AY GC1832