Golf in Scotland
A potted summary of golf in Scotland from the Travel Pages including the origins of golf and links to historic golf courses in St Andrews and Edinburgh.
The Origins of Golf
No-one knows for sure the origins of golf, with several countries claiming credit for its invention. It was certainly played in Europe in a vaguely recognisable form as long ago as the 13th century. The oldest golf course in the world, however, is The Old Links at Musselburgh, which was known to be in use in 1672, and possibly much sooner.
Golf in Scotland
Scotland is called the home of Golf with some justification. It has the oldest course in the world, one of the most famous in St Andrews, and some of the most beautiful courses in among the 500 or so spread throughout the land. Many of them are within easy reach of Edinburgh, and there are several options within the city itself.
Historic Courses
The Old Golf Course, Musselburgh Links
Just six miles east of Edinburgh on the coast is the oldest course in the world where golf is known to have been continuously played, since 1672 at least. It was then a 7-hole course and is now a par-34 9-hole course. For a feeling of the history of the game, it can’t be beat.
The Old Golf Course, St Andrews Links
Vying with Musselburgh in its claims to be the oldest course in the world, The Old Golf Course here is just one of several courses at St Andrews including the 9-hole Balgove Golf Course, the par-72 Old Golf Course itself, and the par-71 New Golf Course, which was opened in 1895!
Booking Ahead
Because of the number of courses and the fact that both they, and accommodation, get booked up well ahead, you need to make plans far in advance if you want to play here. Many people naturally want to stay at the Old Course Hotel but there’s a range of accommodation from 5-star luxury down to comfortable and inexpensive guesthouses. The city of St Andrews is 55 miles northeast of Edinburgh, on the beautiful Fife coast.
Edinburgh Golf Courses
Braid Hills is only three miles south of the city centre, and has two public 18-hole courses, one a par-64 the other a par-70. You’ll need to become a member but it’s inexpensive and you can do it from the website.
Only three miles northwest of the centre and with beautiful views over the Firth of Forth, the public course here is an 18-hole par-71 course.
Scottish Golf
The official Visit Scotland website has a very comprehensive section on Scottish golf, including which seven top tournament courses you can play on yourself. You should also visit the Scottish Golf Courses website.
