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Welcome 2 Golf in Scotland...... |
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| It is impossible to play golf in Scotland without becoming quickly aware of the history of the game. There is hardly a Scottish links course that is not at least a century old with an established past and clubhouse full of tradition seeping out of every trophy cabinet. Highlands boasts The Kings, Queens and Monarch courses, all championship quality. To the north and west of Glasgow is the glorious Loch Lomond set in the Luss Estate, pristinely laid out by the professional golfer, Tom Weiskopf. To the far north, beyond Inverness, lies the purist's delight, Royal Dornoch, one of the finest links courses not to host an Open championship but where many professionals 'warm up' before the real event begins. With so many fine courses around it is little wonder why so many people travel from far and wide to play at the home of golf. |  |
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In 1764, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the world's first golfing club, was established and was soon followed by the Golfers of St Andrews and then Aberdeen Golf Club (1780), Crail (1786) and Bruntsfield (Edinburgh, 1787). A multitude of others quickly followed, designed and developed by such luminaries as Tom Morris, Baird, Ross, Mackenzie and Colt. There are well over 430 golf courses in Scotland and many are household names and of the finest championship standard. The Open has in the past been played at Prestwick, St Andrews, Turnberry, Troon, Carnoustie and at Muirfield (home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers). The latter is highly regarded as the best golf course in the UK and, many would say, in the world. |
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| Just less than an hour south of Glasgow lie the championship courses of Royal Troon, Turnberry and Old Prestwick. The latter is part of the integral history of the game, as it was here in 1883 that the first Open was played and won by Old Tom Morris. As the birthplace of the Open it served as the venue for 12 of the first 24 championships, of which the last was played in 1925. Although considerably shorter in length now than a modern championship course, it is a must to play and demands straight driving and really precise club selection. Old Prestwick is simply a natural magnet for golfers wishing to experience a place where legends were made. However, nearby Prestwick St Nicholas and Barassie are also wonderful treasures not to be missed. |  |
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Golf experts and those just becoming familiar with the pastime can all agree it's the ultimate destination on everyone's list. It isn't just a golf trip, rather a homage paying respect to six centuries of foundation. The truth however is once you've arrived in Scotland and stand at your first tee, you'll know why the game which originated from this land soon became a worldwide obsession. |
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