Top 8 Oldest Golf Courses in the World

While the origins of golf are widely contested, it is common belief that golf dates back to as early as the 15th century in Scotland. Even if the game did look a little different to the modern-day version with players using sticks instead of clubs and stones instead of balls, there is plenty of evidence to prove its existence, including official documents and personal letters. However, it was not until 1764 that the first 18-hole modern-style golf course was established and the 1800s when golf became a popular sport across the world. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the history of golf, we recommend visiting some of the oldest golf courses in the world, that just so happen to be right on your doorstep, in the UK. 

St Andrews Old Course

Located on the east coast of Scotland, St Andrews Old Course is the very oldest golf course in the world hence why Scotland has been coined the home of golf. Golf has been played at St Andrews Old Course since 1552 and although the course upholds a prestigious reputation in the golf world, it is now open to the public and accessible to golfers of all abilities. Nowadays, the course attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the world who seek to test their skills at the authentic birthplace of golf. The course is set along the breathtaking Scottish coastline, offering spectacular sea views, and is just a brief walk from the historic St Andrews town and short drive from Dundee city centre – the perfect place for a culture-rich staycation. 

The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Also located in Scotland is The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. The club was founded in 1780 as The Society of Golfers at Aberdeen and is famous for being the 6th oldest golf club, home to the Balgownie and Silverburn links courses. The Balgownie was originally designed by Archie and Robert Simpson of Carnoustie, renowned golf players and architects of the early 20th century. The course was then modernised by five-time Open Championship winner, James Braid to meet modern standards. In 1903, the club received royal patronage by Edward VII and the name was changed to The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. 

Since then, the club has grown in popularity and been host to various golfing events, including the Scottish Open, Senior British Open and the Walker Cup. Think you’ve got what it takes? Book a golf break to Aberdeen and take on mountainous sand dunes, tricky holes and challenging sea winds at The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

The Musselburgh Golf Club

The Musselburgh Golf Club was established in 1938 in East Lothian in Scotland, just outside of Edinburgh. The Musselburgh is home to The Old Golf Course, a fantastic championship course, also designed by James Braid, that has been attested as one of the best courses in East Scotland. The Musselburgh Course was host to the first ever Gold Club Cup, the oldest golf trophy in the world, and in 1876 the club earned its royal title from Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught. It is situated in a beautiful parkland setting that was once used for agricultural purposes but is now surrounded by mature trees and rolling hills, and offers an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all abilities.

The Montrose Links Course

The Montrose Links was established in 1562 which makes it the 5th oldest golf course in the world. The original course offered a traditional links layout however was revamped by Harry Colt in 1913 to create the final modern design. Colt incorporated the natural sand dunes to create a challenging course which, accompanied by strong winds, makes for a serious test of golfing precision. The Montrose Links now holds a place in the top 100 Scottish golf courses, attracting golfers from all corners of the globe and offering an enjoyable game for players of all ages and abilities.

The Tenby Golf Club

The Tenby Golf Club is home to the oldest golf course in Wales, Tenby Golf Course. This stunning 18-hole links course was established in 1888 and was designed by none other than James Braid. Like many of his other courses, Braid has used the natural terrain within the design to create a unique and tricky circuit that keeps golfers coming back for more. The natural shape of the course meanders around the natural landscape and sand dunes, creating a classic links design that can be played year-round with sandy terrain keeping the greens dry. If you’re looking to enjoy out-of-season golf, the Tenby could be the perfect place for you.

Royal Blackheath Golf Club

Blackheath Golf Club was established in 1608 in Greenwich, London, and is the oldest golf course in England. Blackheath was initiated at a time when the Scottish Court arrived in London and were in search of the perfect place to play their traditional sport so, in fact, the Blackheath Golf Club also finds its roots in Scotland. The grounds feature a quaint 17th century clubhouse and fabulous 18-hole parkland course, designed by James Braid with challenging bunkers and undulating fairways. Although the course was typically reserved for the nobility, it is now open to all players of any skill level, amateurs and professionals alike.

The Elie and Earlsferry

The Earlsferry Golf Society was established in 1787 and Earlsferry and Elie Golf Club, now known as The Elie, was formed in 1858, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in the UK. The Elie is located in Fife, just a few miles from St Andrews, and is set along the picturesque Scottish coast. It is recorded that golf has been played on this land, the 4th, 5th, 8th, and 17th holes to be exact, since at least 1770 however it would certainly not be the same golf we play today. To put it into perspective, 1760 was the start of the industrial revolution! 

To this day, The Elie Course remains one of the most popular in the UK with its main point of attraction being its Starter Hut, complete with an original periscope from the Royal Navy submarine HMS Excalibur. Golfers can peek through the periscope and take a look at the holes to come and take inspiration from other players on the course. 

Kinghorn Golf Club

According to historical letters, golf has been played at Kinghorn since 1812 but it wasn’t until 1886 that the land was purchased by the local Council to build a modern 9-hole course, which was designed by renowned greenskeeper, clubmaker and course designer, Tom Morris. The course has since undergone renovations to build the contemporary 18-hole traditional links we see today, but some of the original holes are still in use. The course is located in Fife in Scotland and boasts spectacular views over the Firth of Forth estuary from almost every hole. If you’re looking for a quiet, coastal escape, we highly recommend booking a weekend in Fife and playing a round at Kinghorn.

To book your next golf holiday and play at some of the oldest golf courses in the world, check out our golf breaks in the UK.