A Stroll Through the History of Golf and Scotland’s Legendary Golf Courses
When you think of golf, it’s impossible not to think of Scotland a country where the sport was born and continues to thrive. The rugged landscapes, unpredictable weather, and rich history have all contributed to the game that has captivated players worldwide. But what is it about Scotland that makes it the heart of golf? Let’s take a stroll through the history of golf in Scotland and explore some of its most legendary courses, along with some fascinating stories from the sport’s past.
The Origins of Golf in Scotland
The origins of golf are shrouded in mystery, with various countries laying claim to similar games played with a ball and club. However, it’s widely accepted that the game we now know as golf took root in Scotland.
Golf’s roots began around 1457, but it wasn’t always welcomed. In fact, King James II famously banned golf, because he believed it distracted soldiers from practicing archery. This ban was repeated by successive monarchs, but golf’s popularity continued to grow so much so that by the early 1500s, even King James IV was an avid golfer. Some historians speculate that his love of the game may have distracted him before Scotland’s defeat at the Battle of Flodden (1513).
By the 16th century, golf had become deeply embedded in Scottish society. Mary, Queen of Scots, is one of the earliest known female golfers, and her love of the game is believed to have contributed to the origins of the word “caddie” derived from the French military cadets who carried her clubs.
The Evolution of the Game and Golf Courses
Early golf had no standardized rules and was played on rough, coastal landscapes known as link areas of sandy dunes and grassy terrain between the sea and farmland. The Old Course at St. Andrews, first recorded in 1552, became a model for golf courses worldwide.
Over time, Scottish golf pioneers formalized the sport. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, founded in 1744, wrote the first official rules of golf, influencing how the game is played today. Meanwhile, Old Tom Morris, one of golf’s earliest course architects,
helped shape modern golf course design, setting the 18-hole standard.
Scottish Golf Goes Global
By the 19th century, golf had spread beyond Scotland’s borders. The establishment of clubs like Royal Troon (1878) and Royal Dornoch (1877) solidified Scotland’s status as the game’s spiritual home. Scottish emigrants and course designers, like Donald Ross, carried the sport overseas, influencing golf course architecture in the United States and beyond.
Scotland’s influence on golf is undeniable, and its legendary courses continue to define the game. Let’s explore some of the most historic and challenging links courses that have shaped golf’s past and present.
St. Andrews: The Home of Golf
No discussion of Scottish golf can begin without mentioning St. Andrews, often referred to as the Home of Golf. Golf has been played on the Links at St. Andrews since at least 1552, and the Old Course remains the oldest course in the world.
Originally, the Old Course had 12 holes, but players would play them twice, making a round 22 holes total. It wasn’t until 1764 that the course was modified to 18 holes, a format that would eventually become the worldwide standard.
St. Andrews has also been the site of some extraordinary moments in golf history. Young Tom Morris, one of the greatest golfers of the 19th century, won four consecutive Open Championships by the age of 21, making him the youngest major winner ever, a record that still stands. Tragically, just months after his final victory in 1872, he passed away at 24, reportedly from a broken heart after his wife died in childbirth.
Muirfield: Where Tradition Meets Excellence
Muirfield is home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the world’s oldest golf club (founded in 1744). The club played a pivotal role in establishing the rules of golf, many of which still exist today.
One of the strangest moments in Open Championship history occurred at Muirfield in 1876, when Bob Martin and Davie Strath finished tied. However, Strath refused to play in the playoff due to a controversial ruling, so Martin won by default without even playing!
Royal Troon Golf Club: A True Test of Skill
Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is famous for the Postage Stamp, the shortest par-3 hole in Open Championship golf. This course is no stranger to high drama, but one of the most intense showdowns in golf history took place not far away at Turnberry in 1977.
Known as the ”Duel in the Sun”, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled for two days in one of golf’s greatest head-to-head matches. The two were 10 strokes ahead of the rest of the field, and Watson edged out Nicklaus with a dramatic birdie on the final hole.
Turnberry: A Historic
Turnberry is now owned by Donald Trump, but its most famous moment remains the 1977 “Duel in the Sun”a testament to its status as one of the great championship venues.
Carnoustie Golf Links: The Ultimate Challenge
Nicknamed “Carnasty” for its brutal difficulty, Carnoustie is one of the toughest courses on The Open rotation. Deep bunkers, narrow fairways, and unpredictable winds make it a true test for even the best golfers.
This course has humbled many greats, but Young Tom Morris made history here in 1869 by recording the first-ever hole-in-one in Open Championship history at the 8th hole.
Royal Dornoch: A Highland Gem
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a breathtaking yet remote masterpiece. Designed by Old Tom Morris, the Championship Course features “inverted saucer” greens and stunning natural landscapes. Though it has never hosted The Open, it is consistently ranked among the world’s best courses.
Royal Dornoch also played a key role in shaping golf beyond Scotland. It was the childhood home of Donald Ross, who later became one of the most influential golf course designers in North America. His apprenticeship under Old Tom Morris at St. Andrews laid the foundation for his prolific career in golf architecture.
Ross later emigrated to the United States, where he designed Pinehurst No. 2, one of America’s most famous courses. His philosophy emphasizing strategic depth and natural beauty was deeply inspired by Scotland’s rugged courses.
Other Noteworthy Courses
While the aforementioned courses are among the most famous, Scotland boasts many other noteworthy links:
Prestwick Golf Club: The birthplace of The Open Championship (1860). The first prize? A red leather belt instead of a trophy!
Royal Aberdeen: The sixth-oldest golf club in the world, offering a classic links experience.
Gleneagles: Known for hosting the Ryder Cup, blending luxury with traditional golf values.
North Berwick Golf Club: Established in 1832, features the famous Redan Hole, one of the most copied par-3 designs in golf architecture.
Cruden Bay Golf Club A visually stunning course with spectacular coastal views, consistently ranked among Scotland’s best.
Each of these courses embodies Scotland’s unique golfing heritage, offering diverse challenges and breathtaking landscapes.
The Claret Jug Heist and Other Golf Oddities
The Claret Jug, awarded to Open Championship winners, is one of golf’s most famous trophies, but did you know it was stolen in 1894 from Royal Liverpool Golf Club? The original was thankfully recovered, and since then, a replica has been awarded to winners, while the real trophy remains under lock and key.
Another quirky tradition? At Machrihanish Golf Club, golfers used to find small bottles of whisky hidden in a bunker as a reward! Though this practice has faded, it remains one of the sport’s most amusing tales.
Scotland: The Heart of Golf
From the ancient fairways of St. Andrews to the fierce test of Carnoustie, Scotland’s golf courses are more than just playing fields, they are living monuments to the game’s history. These landscapes have witnessed royal bans, dramatic duels, record-breaking moments, and even stolen trophies.
As you walk these storied fairways, you’re not just playing golf; you’re participating in a tradition that stretches back centuries, connecting with the very roots of the sport.
Whether you’re teeing off at St. Andrews or tackling the brutal test of Carnoustie, you’re experiencing the game as it was meant to be played on Scottish soil.