Golfing in ScotlandScotland is known as the birthplace of Golf. The first game of golf is said to have been played in 1457 in St. Andrews, but many believe a version of the game may have been played in the mid 1300's. The game has first developed on the east coast of Scotland, where there is less rainfall, and as a result, the golf ball which had been a knot of feathers had lasted longer.Golfing at the most famous Course: The Old Course at St. Andrews is the most famous in the British Isles, which include six courses in the town all owned by the St. Andrews Links Trust. The old course has hosted more British Opens than any other course there. There is a seventh course which is being built on the outskirts of the town. St. Andrews is a tourist destination for golfers and non golfers as well. There is always a gallery at the first tee. You will have an audience as you tee off. Golfers may not have any problem in getting a tee time in St. Andrews, if they want to golf the other five courses. Currently, there is a two- year waiting list for the Old Course. They can enter a daily lottery for a tee time the following day. If the player shows up before the first round in the morning, the starter may get him out with a group that has less than four players. But if you consider golfing the Old Course in winter, the weather could be not that worst. The fees are very low and there is less competition. Minimum handicap requirements apply. Visiting St Andrews: You will not encounter problems with weather conditions here. The ancient streets of Edinburg consists shops that display Old Course photos and mementos. At the British Golf Museum you can retrace 500 years of golf history. The award - winning tourist attraction is just across the street from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Founded in 1754, the RA is the home of the development body that sets the rules for world golf. If you stop by the pubs you may get good advice on where the local golfers play. Scottish Royal Golf Courses: The other significant areas of golf history are Carnoustie, Troon, Gullane, Gleneagles, Blairgowrie and Durnock. If you cannot get on the Carnoustie course, try the nearby Panmure Golf course. However, scoring a tee time at any course with a Royal attached to its name is tricky. You can play one of Scotland's oldest, The Edinburgh Musselburg Links. Scottish Island Hopping: Head on to Scotland's many island courses to encounter off beaten track golf experience. Here golf is played basically in true links style. The Isle of Harris Golf Course in the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Skye, Arran Island (Miniature Scotland) and the three courses at Orkney are the famous ones here, while Shetland Island has three courses including Whalsay, with the most northerly 18 holes. |