Time-Travelling Scotland’s Fairways
Scotland is renowned as the birthplace of golf, and its landscape is dotted with some of the world's oldest and most prestigious golf clubs. Each club holds a unique place in the history and culture of the sport, reflecting the rich tradition and passion for golf that has flourished in the country for centuries.
We’ve selected below some of our favourites for a trip to where golf began.
The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, founded in 1744, is recognised as one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Its home course, Muirfield, has hosted 16 Open Championships and is known for its challenging but fair links layout. The club's historical significance is underscored by its role in shaping the early rules of golf, including the creation of the first official rulebook in 1744.
The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, founded in 1754, is another iconic institution. Based at the home of golf, St Andrews, this club played a pivotal role in the establishment of standardised rules for the game. On its doorstep, the Old Course at St Andrews, managed by the St Andrews Links Trust, is one of the oldest golf courses in the world and continues to be a revered venue for major tournaments.
Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, founded in 1761, holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest golf club in the world. Located in Edinburgh, the club has a rich history and has contributed significantly to the development of golf in Scotland. In 1876 the society moved from its original 5 hole course at Bruntsfield Links, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, to the 9 hole Musselburgh Links. Just over two decades later in 1898, the society moved to its current location, 3 miles west of Edinburgh city centre. The society has a vibrant membership that embraces the traditions of the game.
Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society
Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, founded in 1774, is the sixth oldest in the world originating at the 9-hole Musselburgh Links where the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Royal Burgess Golfing Society and Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society also played. The Club engaged with James Braid to lay out a new 18-hole course at its current location, which opened in 1926.
Fraserburgh Golf Club, on the northeast coast of Scotland was established in 1777 making it the seventh oldest club. The Corbie Hill links course provides golfers with a challenging and scenic experience, overlooking the North Sea. Fraserburgh has a rich maritime history, and the golf club reflects the enduring spirit of the local community.
Crail Golfing Society, founded in 1786, is the ninth oldest golf club in the world. The club boasts two courses – Balcomie Links and Craighead Links – each with its own distinct character and challenges. The coastal setting and historical landmarks surrounding the courses add to the allure of this venerable institution.
Crail Golfing Society
Cruden Bay Golf Club, established in 1791, is renowned for its picturesque and demanding links course. Set against the backdrop of the North Sea, the course offers stunning views and a challenging layout that has attracted golf enthusiasts for centuries. The club's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in its ongoing efforts to maintain the authenticity of the course.
Fortrose Golf Society, founded in 1793, is one of the oldest clubs in the Highlands. The course, located on the Chanonry Peninsula, offers a unique coastal golfing experience. Fortrose & Rosemarkie has a rich tradition and a close-knit community of members who share a passion for the game and the club's historic surroundings.
Dunbar Golf Club, founded in 1856, is situated on the east coast of Scotland. The club's challenging links course has hosted numerous championships and continues to attract golfers seeking a traditional Scottish golfing experience. Dunbar's long history and commitment to the game make it a notable presence in the world of golf.
Dunbar Golf Club
Royal Dornoch Golf Club, founded in 1877, is a jewel in the crown of Scottish golf. Nestled along the Dornoch Firth, its Championship Course is consistently ranked among the world's finest. Old Tom Morris was the architect responsible for extending the original 9 holes layout to 18 holes in 1886. He introduced the plateau greens which are the soul of the course, their uniqueness lies in their size and their inverted saucer shapes. With a rich history and warm Highland hospitality, Royal Dornoch captivates golfers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Scotland's oldest golf clubs are not just repositories of history; they are living embodiments of the enduring passion for golf that has shaped the sport over centuries. These clubs continue to play a vital role in preserving the traditions of golf while providing a challenging and memorable experience for players from around the world. The stories of these venerable institutions are intertwined with the evolution of golf itself, making them essential pilgrimage sites for any avid golfer.