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Play On The Worlds Oldest Golf Course |
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 The oldest golf course in the world...
If I asked you where the oldest golf course in the world was what would you say? Scotland - yes, good guess so far. But where in Scotland?
When pressed most golfers eventually say St Andrews, but they're wrong.
Golf was played at Musselburgh near Edinburgh at least ten years before
any recorded games at St Andrews. Local records suggest that golf was
played on the links land near the shore at Musselburgh from around the
year 1567.
The "old course" in Musselburgh is still there today and retains much
of its original layout. It has nine holes and the golf course can be
played by all comers. Seven of the old course holes were laid out
before 1830 (and probably much earlier) and the two "new holes" were
added in the mid 1800's.
The British Open golf tournament was held at Musselburgh on five
occasions between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever golf competition for
women was played on the old course in 1811. The club members still
compete for the Old Club Cup, which dates back to 1774.
Even the holes in the greens are significant at Musselburgh. In 1829
the members decided to buy a mechanical device from a local blacksmith
to cut the holes on the green. By chance he made it with a diameter of
exactly four and a half inches. Golf holes at the time could be any
size that the members wanted - there was no rule about it. In 1893 the
Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews - who by this time wrote the
rules of golf for the game worldwide - decided that all golf holes
should be the same size as the ones at Musselburgh old course and the
decision has remained unchanged to this day. Just measure the cup size
on your local golf course if you don't believe me.
For a golf course of such historical importance, access is remarkably
easy. You can simply pay and play if you wish and there is a small shop
selling special souvenirs. Memberships are available for both local and
overseas members - the latter might make a particularly unusual golf
gift. Each overseas member receives a welcome pack with a history of
the club, a special bag tag, special golf balls and tees and is welcome
to join in any competitions if they come for a holiday in Scotland.
This truly is golf at it's most authentic and in its most historical
setting. Come try it - you will really feel the history of the place.
About the Author:
Gary Hill lives and works in central Scotland. His website has lots of
information on travel in Europe and about golf in Scotland or Ireland
golf vacations
Gary also contributes to a medical website on the theme of whiplash injury
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