The game of golf has been played in its modern form in Scotland since the 15th Century.
Along with football (soccer), “gowff” was played by the ordinary man, not only the landed gentry. The reigning Scottish Monarch King James IV banned the game in 1457 because it was an unwelcome distraction to learning archery. In 1502 the ban was lifted by the King who had become a golfer himself. So even back then the Golfing Bug was alive and kicking.
Over the centuries Golf and Scotland have become synonymous. World famous golf links grew out of natural terrain like:
- St. Andrews Old Course (1764)
- Elie and Earlsferry (1589 and 1770)
- Scotscraig (1817) Montrose(1818)
- Musselburgh Old Course(1830)
- Gullane Links (1840)
- Carnoustie (1840) (1876)
- Monifieth Links (1845)
- Prestwick (1851) the venue for the 1st Open Championship.
Prestwick appointed a 30 year old club and ball maker from St. Andrews as their “Keeper of the Green “ His name was Tom Morris (the elder). One of the first Golf Club Professionals.
There are more golf courses per head of population in Scotland than anywhere else in the world.
Whatever your golfing ability you are never far away from a course to suit your game. Whether it is a James Braid design ,a coastal links or an Open Championship venue we will cater to your needs and do our utmost to make your stay enjoyable and memorable.
Throw in a dash of Scotch Whisky “research” and a bit of Scotland’s history and you may have the recipe for the holiday of a lifetime.