Golf in Scotland: Explained

If there’s one thing Scotland does better than most… it’s golf! After all, we invented the game in the 15th century and it has been played here ever since. Now a global sport that you can play almost anywhere, most players will tell you that they dream of playing in Scotland - the Home of Golf.
But where did it all start? Long before the days of golf tourism, budding players would play with wooden clubs and a ball made from goose feathers. Golfing on Sundays was frowned upon and the sport was even banned by ancient kings, as they thought it was too distracting.
Fast-forward to today and Scotland has around 550 courses, spanning the entire country - some in the most unusual of places. From famous links courses with their undulating fairways and sea views, to inland parkland courses found everywhere from grand country estates to the side of a hill! It will come as no surprise that Scotland has hosted some of the biggest golf tournaments in the world, including many Open Championships, The 2014 Ryder Cup and the upcoming The Solheim Cup 2019.
One of the most famous courses in the world, The Old Course in St Andrews is widely regarded as the place where it all began. This famous links course has been testing golfers since the early 15th century, counting kings and queens amongst its illustrious guests. The course has been pivotal in how the game is played today, ushering in the 18-hole format and hosting more Open Championships than any other course. It’s no wonder that so many golfers get sentimental about this historic Fife town.
For more on the history of golf, you can pay a visit to the British Golf Museum - which you’ll also find in St Andrews. The early history and interactive galleries bring the spirit of the game alive for visitors. The museum also has unrivalled views of the first tee of the Old Course, so if you don’t manage to get a round in, at least you’ll be able to see what all the fuss is about!
But there is more to golf in Scotland than St Andrews, much more. Take Scotland’s Golf Coast in East Lothian, for instance, home to an Open Championship venue of its own, Muirfield, as well as many other challenging courses. Located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, Scotland’s Golf Coast offers incredible coastline, stunning beaches and rolling countryside - the perfect environment for golf!
You can also play golf in the north of Scotland, so don’t forget to check for local golf clubs if you’re exploring the Highlands and Islands.
There are courses to suit every budget and ability, so don’t miss out!
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[@jrbmdemon]

The home of golf. I remember well my visit to St Andrews back in 2011. I love my time in Scotland. Next visit, I'll play the Old Course!

[@theogkarenhunter]

Excellent video

[@jamesdavis5517]

Can’t wait to get there from Australia. Whiskey, Golf and foul weather.

[@keithlordofalbascotland3371]

WHISKY 🥃 no e

[@douglaslindsaygray2494]

All this information and not one mention of Lieth Links and Doctor John Rattery who wrote up the first official rules of golf in 1744