Golf’s Original Fairways tells the stories and characters of Leith Links, Bruntsfield Links and Musselburgh Old Course, the overlooked Scottish courses that helped shape the modern game. Challenging the traditional St Andrews-centred narrative, it reveals how golf’s earliest competitions, innovations and communities developed on these historic fairways.
THE TOP KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR READERS · Golf most likely started in Edinburgh at Leith Links · The first golf rules were written at Leith in 1744 · Leith was the home of the first clubs, clubhouses, ballmakers and clubmakers · Musselburgh was the next epicentre of golf even before St Andrews · And, the size of the golf hole was determined at Musselburgh!
DESCRIPTION For more than a century, the story of golf’s origins has largely been told through St Andrews. Yet before the game’s rise to global prominence, the fairways of Leith Links, Bruntsfield Links and Musselburgh Old Course were at the heart of its development and played a pivotal role in shaping the modern game. Golf’s Original Fairways uncovers the remarkable stories, characters, matches and innovations that emerged from these historic courses between 1744 and the end of the nineteenth century. From John Rattray and the Silver Club competition to the emergence of golf clubs, clubhouses, caddies, the gutta-percha ball and the Open Championship, it brings to life the people and events that helped define the sport.
Combining engaging storytelling with meticulous historical research, Golf’s Original Fairways restores these overlooked courses to their rightful place in golf history, challenging conventional narratives and revealing how Scotland’s earliest fairways helped create the game the world knows today.
This in-person lecture takes place in our galleries, with doors opening from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Refreshments available upon arrival.
Please contact hannahfleming@randa.org with any queries.
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