Scottish Golf: 10 important dates in the history of the sport in the country that gifted it to the world
Known around the world as the ‘Home of Golf’, Scotland’s part in developing the game dates back to the late Middle Ages – even if there is some debate about where it was actually invented.
There’s certainly no arguing that Scotland is where the sport was developed and today the R&A, based in St Andrews, governs the sport worldwide alongside their sister operation in the USA.
The St Andrews Old Course is one of the most famous courses in the world, and is just one of over 550 public and private courses the country boasts.
Meanwhile participation in golf remains high, with little of the elitism that exists elsewhere in the world.
So, how did Scotland play such an important part in the game that is today enjoyed by an estimated 24 million people.
Here are 10 of the most important dates.
Read more:
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.
The St Andrews Old Course is one of the most famous courses in the world, and is just one of over 550 public and private courses the country boasts.
5. 1672: The first course
The Old Links at Musselburgh Racecourse is widely considered to be the oldest in the world, with evidence of play as far back as 1672. Mary, Queen of Scots reputedly played there even earlier, in 1567, although the story may be apocryphal. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. 1743: Exporting the game to North America
The first record of golf travelling to North American golf was an order for 96 golf clubs and 432 golf balls that was shipped from Leith to Charleston, in South Carolina, in 1743. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. 1764: The first 18 hole course
The original course at St Andrews, which may date back as early as the 15th century, originally comprised 11 holes which would be played twice for a 22 hole round. In 1974 two of the holes were removed for being too short, reducing it to 18 holes - a standard model that other course have followed ever since. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. 1754: The R&A is established
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was founded on May 14, 1754, with the first Challenge for the Silver Club competition. It was originally called the Society of St Andrews Golfers and now had a worldwide membership of over 2,500 players, as well as being the sport's governing body. Photo: Canva/Getty Images