The History of Scottish Golf.
There is
quite a bit of controversy over the very first game of golf; however, most
attribute the game we know today as originating in Scotland. Throughout history,
there have been games played with a stick and ball, but none with the
guidelines, air of dignity, and challenging courses as the game of golf.
The
first written documentation that mentions golf was in 1457 when King James II
prohibited playing the game of “gowf” in the Act of the Scottish Parliament as
the sport was distracting the military of practicing their archery techniques.
Golf was
attacked more than once with Acts imposed in both 1471 and in 1491 stating the
game of golf was not profitable and was completely banned under the rule of King
James IV of Scotland. Even with all these issues and attacks against the game,
many Royals enjoyed a game from time to time. Mary, Queen of Scots was reported
for playing golf which was described as a game not suitable for women with
rumours stating that she played at The Old Links, Musselburgh. While even
though, the game was banned entirely, King James IV of Scotland received golf
balls and golf clubs as gifts in 1502. Did he secretly play golf after it was
banned? In the diary of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston, you will find that he also
enjoyed a game of golf and played at Musselburgh Links on 2 March 1672.
Today, the
birthplace of golf has many famous golf courses throughout the entire country.
As a matter of fact, Scotland is home to over 500 golf courses that are divided
among 10 regions. In the Glasgow region, you will find 94 courses while in
Edinburgh there are 67 golf courses. The other districts of Scotland are home to
around 40 golf courses each with the northern islands having 14.
Golf in
Scotland is still in the majority of cases open to the public and is enjoyed by
all the population no matter their rank or title.

The most
famous courses include:
·
St. Andrews (Old Course)
·
Muirfield ·
Royal Dornoch ·
Turnberry ·
Carnoustie
·
Royal Troon ·
Kingsbarn ·
Loch Lomond ·
Cruden Bay
·
Machrihanish
|