Golf history
Scotland has a total of 578 golf courses, more per head of population than anywhere in the world. The region around Edinburgh alone contains 67.
The first written example of the word 'golf' itself happened in Edinburgh during early March 1457, when King James II banned 'ye golf' in an attempt to force people into practising their archery skills, which were vital for the country's ongoing military security. His son James the Third did the same in 1471, as did his grandson James the Fourth in 1491. And according to the city's official burgh records for 19th April 1592, golf appears on a list of pastimes to be avoided on Sundays.
The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh dates back to 1735, and in 1743 a cargo of 96 golf clubs and 432 golf balls was shipped from the Edinburgh port of Leith to Charleston in South Carolina, USA. It marked the beginning of the spread of the game right across the world. These days the Lothians and Edinburgh area remains at the centre of Scottish golf's crown, and rightfully so. Gullane No1, Muirfield and North Berwick, Renaissance Club and Dunbar golf courses are amongst the finest in Scotland, each a worthy challenge whatever your skill levels.
Golf packages in the Lothians and Edinburgh area
Your Lothians golf tour starts here. Would you like to combine play at St Andrews with North Berwick, Gullane and Muirfield? As well as spending four nights at St Andrews, with guaranteed tee-times on the Old Course, this popular programme lets you experience the remarkable links of Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick. Your St Andrews and Lothians golf can also be customised to suit your exact requirements as regards the accommodation, the number of nights you stay, your preferred courses and the number of rounds you'd like to play.
Find out more or book your Scottish golf vacation now
Do you want to arrange a Lothians golf tour? We are always pleased to give you all the help and advice you need. If you'd like to know more about our Lothians golf vacations feel free to contact us.