Oldest Golf Course-world record set by Musselburgh
Links
MUSSELBURGH, Scotland, UK -- The Old
Links at Musselburgh was originally seven holes and
documentary evidence shows that golf was played here in 1672-which
sets the world record for the Oldest
Golf Course.
The Old
Links at Musselburgh was originally seven holes, with
another added in 1838 and the full nine-holes came into play
in 1870.
Depute leader of East
Lothian Council, Councillor Stuart Currie,
said: "This is great news for the golf course and East
Lothian in this year of Homecoming. This achievement demonstrates
the rich history of golf in our county and why it is such
a fantastic place to play, whether you are young or old, or
from near or far."
Secretary of the Musselburgh Old
Course Golf Club Robin McGregor added, "We are thrilled
The Old Course is starting to receive the attention it richly
deserves."
The Oldest
Golf Course, which is managed by SportPlus on behalf
of East Lothian Council, has always had a renowned history
and heritage with the game of golf.
Authenticating the record is the documentary
evidence found in the Account Book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston.
Amongst many of his entries relating
to golf, the following dated 2nd March 1672 validates Musselburgh
Links' record:
2 March 1672
For 3 golfe balls - 0 152 0
Lost at golfe at Musselburgh wt Gosfoord, Lyon
etc, - 3 05 0
For a horse htyre thither, - 0 18 0
... This passage is referenced in the "The
Golf Book Of East Lothian", compiled and documented by John
Kerr, M.A, F.R.S.E, F.S.A.Scot, the Minister of Direlton,
published in 1896.
Initially a seven hole course until the
eight and ninth were added in 1838 and 1870, Musselburgh Links
was an original Open Championship Venue, hosting the competition
on six occasions between 1874 and 1889.
It was also home to a number of golfing heroes
including Willie Dunn, (who won the first unofficial US Open
in 1894), famed feather ball maker John Gourlay and John Carey
(known as Fiery) one of the most famous caddies in the history
of golf.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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