Page 15 - Fairmont Torrance Course
P. 15
HISTORY OF GOLF IN ST ANDREWS
Golf has been played in St Andrews since around 1400AD, its popularity grew so much that in 1457 King James II of Scotland actually banned the game to allow young men to focus more on archery!
Once the ban was lifted, golf continued to grow in popularity until it was faced with another hurdle – Rabbits! In 1797 the St Andrews Town Council sold the links and it was subsequently transformed into a rabbit farm. After a long battle in 1821, a local landowner bought the links back and St Andrews once again became a golfer’s haven.
Originally named the Society of St Andrews Golfers, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was formed in 1756, right in the heart of the town. Today the club governs the rules of golf everywhere except the USA.
Steeped in history and playing host to 11 courses, it’s no wonder this small town in the East Neuk of Fife is renowned, worldwide, as the Home of Golf.
