OKATIE, S.C. -- Hamish Ritchie, a member of Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, SC, was named Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and performed the traditional 'driving in' ceremony on Thursday September 18, 2008 to mark the beginning of his year as Captain.

Ritchie joined the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in 1974 and served as a member of the general committee from 1994-98. A retired insurance broker, he was born in Milngavie and 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.

Chechessee Creek is a throwback golf course in almost every way imaginable. The layout tips out at 6,606 yards, bringing shot making and club selection back into the strategic realm. Members enjoy one of the game's great traditions via the club's caddie program. Caddies are mandatory from the first tee time in the morning until the early afternoon, and add a level of camaraderie and enjoyment missing from many of America's private golf clubs.

For more information about Chechessee Creek Club, call Franklin Newell at 843-987-7000, or visit www.chechesseecreekclub.com.