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April 11, 2018 by Alexander Meldrum
Golf in Scotland
When it comes to golf, Scotland is the place to go and with over 500 courses there's one (make that several) Scottish golf courses for just about everyone.
Old St. Andrews Golf Co...Golf in Scotland
When it comes to golf, Scotland is the place to go and with over 500 courses there's one (make that several) Scottish golf courses for just about everyone.
Old St. Andrews Golf Course, Fife, Scotland
Swilken Burn Bridge,
Old St Andrews', Fife
Of course, quality is more important than quantity but Scottish golf has it all.
Golf courses in Scotland are among the best in the world, and are coveted by those who truly love the sport.
A Scotland golf vacation is the experience of a lifetime for golfers from all corners of the world, and a trip to St. Andrews Golf Course might be considered Number One on a 'bucket list' of golf vacations in Scotland.
Golf in Scotland - History and Tradition
Scotland is known as being home to the sport of golf - and with good reason!
The first historical mention of the sport was not a positive one, and is found in a declaration made by King Jamess II in 1457 when he banned football (soccer), golf and other sports.
His reasoning was that these activities diverted men's attention from the sport of archery - which was obviously more useful on a day-to-day basis in a country constantly trying to defend itself from invaders!
Luckily for the those who enjoy golfing today, King James eventually relented and even had a go himself.
Over a decade later, it's said that Mary Queen of Scots played a round of golf only hours after her husband, Lord Darnley, was murdered.
There are several different opinions as to exactly when the sport of golf was first played.....
Some historians believe that an early form of Scottish golf existed during the 13th century, and was invented by shepherds who were amusing themselves during the long days spent on Scottish moors.
This version used sticks and pebbles and targets. Others think that it may have been modeled after games that were brought to Scotland by invaders from different countries.
golf in scotland
There's also more than one theory for the origination of the actual word 'golf'. One of these is that it's derived from the Scottish word 'gowff' meaning to hit.
Another is that it is a variation on the name of a Dutch ballgame known 'Kolf' (this game may have resembled ice hockey).
But at least one, more modern, theory can definitely be discounted... that's the one that says GOLF stands for 'Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden' :)
In the 17th century golf took a step forward, and moved from a casual sport to a more competitive one. The first trophy cup winner was John Rattray (a friend and colleague of Bonnie Prince Charlie).
However, it wasn't until towards the end of the 19th century that golf became a sport of the 'masses'. Prior to this it had been a very expensive sport mainly due to the cost of the hand-made golf balls
(feather inside hand-stitched leather casing).
In 1848 the easier to produce and less expensive 'Gutta Percha' golf ball (aka the 'Guttie') was invented by Reverend Paterson of St. Andrews (very similar to the golf ball we know today)
and many more people could afford to play and competitions began in earnest.
Scotland has produced some of the finest golfers in the world, including first professional golfer Allan Robertson, 'Old Tom' Morris (who is credited with inventing the infamous 'dog leg' -
read about him in Tom Morris of St Andrews: The Colossus of Golf 1821-1908
Young Tom' Morris (Old Tom's son!), James Braid (a pioneer when it comes to the use of aluminum-headed putters), George Duncan, Bernard Gallacher, Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie, Sandy Lyle, and Paul Lawrie to name a few.
In the game of golf, Scotland is home to some other important 'firsts' including:
The first set of written rules for the sport were documented in Scotland in 1744.
The first 18 hole golf course was also established in Scotland
The Old Links at Musselburgh Racecourse is believed to be the first one every built, and therefore also the oldest golf course in the world.
The first documented international golf match was held at the Leith golf course.
The Leith golf club was also the first one to have a club house for members.
In 1868 'Young Tom' Morris was the proud owner of golf's first recorded 'hole-in-one'.
The world’s first golf tournament for women was held on New Year’s Day in 1811 at Musselburgh Links
The first women’s golf club was formed at St. Andrews in 1895.
Golf Scotland - Best Golf Courses In Scotland
Scotland has some of the very best golf courses in the world, and there's something to fit every budget, taste and itinerary.
golf courses in Scotland
Alongside the spectacular, historic and world-famous Scottish golf courses such as St. Andrews and Muirfield, this tiny country has literally hundreds of smaller, less well-known courses which are truly 'hidden gems'.
Not only are the links themselves a thing of beauty, the surroundings are often spectacular.
You can choose from spectacular coastal views, grand castle backdrops, rolling countryside that stretches for miles..... and much more.
Whether you're an 'expert' golfer, or just a beginner, golfing in Scotland will more than live up to your expectations.
This isn't an 'official' list of the best golf courses in Scotland, but the following 20 courses are among the most popular...
Blairgowrie Rosemount
Carnoustie
Castle Stuart
Cruden Bay
Gleneagles Kings
Gullane 1
Kingsbarns
Loch Lomond
Machrihanish
Muirfield
Nairn Championsip
North Berwick
Prestwick
Royal Dornoch
Royal Troon
Royal Aberdeen
St. Andrews Old
St. Andrews New
Turnberry Ailsa
Western Gailes
Carnoustie - Carnoustie, Angus Built in 1850, this is one of Scotland's oldest golf courses, with the sport having been played here since the 16th century.
Designed by Old Tom Morris and James Braid, this is a demanding course which can test even the best golfer, there are no 'easy' holes on this one!
The weather can significantly (and fairly regularly) increase the difficulty of playing these links due to an unpredictable combination of wind and rain. Carnoustie is About an hour from St. Andrews.
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