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.

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