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