An historic golfing holiday in Scotland will be an experience to remember
The first recorded evidence of golf in Scotland was in 1457. A decree or law passed by King James II in the Scottish Parliament banning the games of football and golf. Seems a bit harsh at first, but golf was becoming a threat to Archery practice, which was mandatory and necessary for Scottish military in the wars against the English. People still ignored the ban, running the risk of being fined, such was the lure and fascination of the great game.
Soon enough, golf spread like wildfire across the land and, as a result, there are many fascinating historical tales regarding golf in the ‘Home of Golf’. There are many interesting clubhouses decked with memorabilia, letters, clubs and all sorts relating to golf while certain locations are used as pilgrimages for followers of the game. When in St Andrews, for instance, head to the vicinity of St Andrews Cathedral and you may well stumble into the graveyard where you will find the grave of Young Tom Morris, the Tiger Woods of his generation.
He was born in the town in 1821 and died following an accident at the New Golf Club in 1908. His father, Old Tom Morris, designed some 75 golf courses, including such names as Muirfield, Cruden Bay, Prestwick, Royal Dornoch and the newly discovered Askernish.
Another superb historic golf tour involves playing the golf courses designed by James Braid, the iconic Scot who won five Open Championship in ten years and designed some of the finest golf courses in the ‘Home of Golf’.
The Elie-born Scot was a pioneer in his field and, according to major golfing historians, is credited with the invention of the dog-leg, primarily in his inland designs, and the pot bunker. With his vast experience of tournament play, his keen eye and understanding of design and construction, Braid set the standard in golf course design that the rest of the world had to follow. His most famous venues include Gleneagles (King’s and Queen’s), Royal Musselburgh, the East Course at Dalmahoy, Downfield, and Highlands beauties such as Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Boat of Garten, Nairn and the stunning links at Brora.
The British Golf Museum, situated behind the famous R&A clubhouse in St Andrews, offers a sensational walk through the historic of golf in Scotland and is a must for avid followers of the game. As such, it’s the best place to start looking back.
Read about Swing Through Time. Historic Golf, Talks, and Presentations.
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