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 Golf
Scotland
Variations on the game of golf as we know it today were being
played all across Europe as long ago as the 14th century,
and possibly even in Roman times. Yet it is the Scots who
must be credited with establishing the official game, and
encouraging its development all over the world. It was in
Scotland that the passion for golf was born. By the middle
of the 16th century, the game had become a popular pastime
at the highest levels of society - James VI himself was a
keen player, as was his mother, Mary Queen of Scots.
In the late 1800's, wealthy middle-class
Englishmen began to follow the example of the Royal Family
by taking their vacations in Scotland. The expansion of the
railroad system at this time allowed people to get to the
seaside links, and the English were so infatuated with the
game of golf that they took it home with them.
In 1744 the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith,
led by Duncan Forbes, drew up the first Articles & Laws
in Playing at Golf. Although later revised and updated, these
original rules set down by the Scottish Professionals of the
time, formed the framework for the modern game of golf.
Tools of The Trade
The Scottish influence
on golf was not to end there. Many of the professionals playing
at the time were also skilled carpenters, instrumental in
developing the clubs and balls
used in the game. Willie Park senior was a master club-maker,
and winner of the first Scottish Open in 1860, and old Tom
Morris became a legend in the game for both his playing and
craftsmanship. In the days before machinery, the wooden clubs
were made entirely by hand. The earliest irons were also fashioned
by hand, followed by aluminum-headed clubs that differ very
little from clubs today. The " guttie " ball was
invented in 1848, replacing the expensive and easily damage
" feathery ", thus making the game more affordable.
The modern, rubber-core ball in use today appeared at the
beginning of the 20th century.
The Courses
Many of Scotland's courses
are steeped in history and tradition, such as the championship
courses of St Andrews and Carnoustie. But an increasing number
of newer courses no offer the same standard of play and variety
of landscape. There is something for everyone, each course
with its own character, often with stunning views of the coastline.
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