If you’re a fan of golf, you likely know it’s one of the oldest sports still played today. Its roots stretch back to the 15th century, which means it predates football, basketball, hockey, rugby, and many other modern favorites. While it may not be as popular as mainstream sports, golf has maintained a strong, loyal following over the centuries. Its iconic tournaments like The Masters and The Open continue to draw millions of viewers and even garner massive action in the betting scene.
One of the remarkable things about golf is how its courses stand the test of time. Unlike most sporting fields or pitches that get rebuilt, relocated, or retired, many golf courses have been around for centuries and, interestingly, are still fully playable today.
This article explores some of the oldest golf courses in the world, considering their origins, unique features, and history. But before we dive in, feel free to check out the vortex game login and other exciting titles here in your free time.
The Old Course at St. Andrews (1552)
The Old Course at St Andrews is located in Fife, Scotland. It is widely recognized as the oldest golf course in the world. It was officially opened in 1552, although golf was likely played there even earlier.
Often called the “Old Lady” or “Grand Old Lady,” this course is considered the home of golf and has played a significant role in shaping the modern version of the game. In 1764, St Andrews was the first course to have 18 holes, which later became the standard for golf worldwide.
Over the years, the course has hosted The Open Championship a record 30 times, with golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods winning there. Despite its long and rich history, the Old Course is still open to the public and remains in excellent condition.
Montrose Golf Links (1562)
The Montrose Golf Links is located on the Angus coast in Scotland. It was officially opened in 1562, which makes it the second-oldest golf course still in use today.
There are two courses at Montrose, but the main one is the 1562 Course. It is a classic Scottish links course, known for its fast greens, deep bunkers, and challenging fairways. It’s also exposed to strong winds from the North Sea, and offers a rugged and scenic landscape that provides a true test of skill for golfers of all levels.
Montrose is not the most famous golf course out there, especially when you compare it to a place like St. Andrews. In fact, it’s often overshadowed by another nearby course, the Carnoustie, which is just 20 miles away. However, the course still ranks comfortably among the top 100 golf courses in Scotland.
Elie Golf House (1589)
The Elie Golf House Club is located in the coastal town of Elie and Earlsferry in Fife, Scotland, just about 12 miles from St Andrews. The golf course was first launched in 1589; however, the current course was officially founded in 1875, and it continues to function to this day.
Designed in part by legendary golfers Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the course is a par 70 stretching just over 6,200 yards. It’s a true links course, known for its fast fairways, natural terrain, and stunning coastal views. Also, the course has no par-5 holes, which is a rare thing in modern golf.
One of the most unique features at Elie is the submarine periscope. The golf course houses an actual periscope from HMS Excalibur, which sits inside the starter’s hut. This gives players a chance to check if the first fairway is clear before they tee off.
Musselburgh Links (1672)
Opened in 1672, Musselburgh Links was considered the oldest course in the world until that title shifted to St Andrews. The course is uniquely set inside a horse racing track and features nine holes today. It originally started as a seven-hole course, with the eighth hole added in 1838 and the ninth in 1870. Today, it’s managed by the East Lothian Council and is home to both the Musselburgh Old Course Golf Club and the Musselburgh Links Ladies Golf Club.
One of Musselburgh’s most significant contributions to the game of golf is the introduction of the standard size of a golf hole. The hole cutter used at Musselburgh measured 4.25 inches in diameter, and in 1893, the Royal and Ancient made that the official size for all golf courses.
Fortrose and Rosemarkie (1793)
The Fortrose and Rosemarkie golf course is located in the Scottish Highlands. It was established in 1793, although there’s evidence that golf may have been played in the area as early as 1702.
The current layout of the course was designed by golf legend James Braid in 1932. It stretches just over 6,000 yards and features small, tricky greens along with several natural challenges. The course is located on a narrow piece of land called Chanonry Point, which sticks out into the Moray Firth and is surrounded by water on three sides. With views of Fort George, Castle Stuart, and even dolphins sometimes swimming nearby, it’s easily one of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland.
While it’s not usually a host for major professional golf tournaments, Fortrose and Rosemarkie still hold a special place in the golf world, especially for players who love classic course design, rich history, and breathtaking coastal views. Over the years, it has hosted several well-regarded amateur and national events, like the Scottish Boys Under 16 Championship.
Conclusion
These historic golf courses are more than just places to play; they carry with them centuries of history and tradition. If you are a lover of golf looking to connect with the roots of the game, visiting one of these iconic venues should be on your bucket list.
