Golf in St Andrews

St Andrews is always associated with golf and is very fortunate to host the British Open on a regular basis, much to the benefit of the town. The world wide coverage the town gets from the British Open TV and radio coverage does the town proud.

The golf we played today took it routes during the middle ages here in Scotland and probably evolved from such games as Kolf a Dutch game that was played across country and in town streets. There is no doubt that St Andrews Old course is attributed with the reason golf is played over 18 and not 20 holes. Early records show that the old course consisted of 20 holes, with the outward holes being the same as the holes for those golfers playing on the return holes. Congestion at the greens led to the development of separate holes, all be it on the same greens and the reduction of one of the holes to bring the number of holes to 18, today's world wide number.

The oldest rules of golf originated from Muirfield Golf Club, near Edinburgh, when Edinburgh City Council, gave a trophy to be played for each year, to the honourable company of gentlemen golfers of Muirfield. It is interesting to note that the competition was played over 5 holes. The winner of the trophy was to be known as the Captain of Golf. A set of some 13 rules were drawn up and the winner added his signature to the bottom of the rules. The first winner in 1744 was John Rattray a physician, who came from Craighall Rattray, in Rattray Perthshire. He again won the competition in 1745 when he joined the Jacobite army after the battle of Prestonpans and tended the wounded. In 1751 John Rattray won the competition again after his trials for being caught up with Bonnie Prince Charlies Jacobite rising of 1745. For the full story of how Golf saved the first Captain of Golf's from the gallows.

The 5 star British Golf Museum sits at the heart of the home of golf, just 67yds from the famous Old Course. Once inside the history of golf unfolds before your eyes. With imaginative exhibitions, hands on activities & stunning multimedia displays, there is something to entertain all the family. A visit to the British Golf Museum is the perfect break from playing golf. Open 7 days All Year. Tel 01334 460046 www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk  (Map Ref B1)

The Old Course originally consisted of twenty two holes, eleven out and eleven in, the golfers playing the same holes going out and in. In 1764, they decided the first and last four holes were too short, therefore they reduced the number of holes to eighteen, today’s standard for a round of golf. In the mid-19th century, the course became very busy, with golfers playing out meeting golfers playing in at the same hole. To solve this, a second hole was cut on each green. (Map Grid Ref: A4)

Tom Morris Junior won his first Open Championship in 1868, when only 17 years old. The next three Open Championships in 1869, 1870 and again in 1872 were all won by Tom, there being no championship in 1871. By winning the Open Championship belt on three consecutive occasions, Tom gained possession of it. He unfortunately died when only 24 years old, but remains one of golf’s greatest legends. You can find his grave in the Cathedral graveyard south of St Rules Tower.
 

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, often referred to as the “R & A”, is a private club with its own clubhouse overlooking the Old Course. Over the years since 1754, it has acquired the status of the premier club and is regarded as the governing authority of golf, running both the Open Championship and Amateur Championship, and governs the rules of golf all over the world except the USA.

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