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