Ask any golfer where the game began, and they’ll likely point straight to Scotland, and for the most part, they’re right. But when it comes to naming the oldest golf course in the world, things get a little more contentious. Is it St Andrews Old Course, revered as the “Home of Golf”? Or is it Musselburgh Links, with claims dating back to the 16th century? Some even argue for Montrose. The truth is that golf’s early days are steeped in lore as much as fact, and that mystery only adds to its charm.
A brief golf history…
What we do know is this: golf has a rich and layered history, shaped over centuries. From medieval ball-and-stick games to the more organised 18-hole sport we know today, the evolution of golf has been deeply influenced by the courses it was played on. These original links and parkland layouts not only set the stage for competition but also shaped the very rules, etiquette, and traditions that define the game today.
As the British Empire expanded, so too did the game – carried by colonists, merchants, and military officers to far-flung parts of the world. India, Canada, Australia, the United States, and beyond all took to golf with enthusiasm, founding clubs that mirrored the traditions of St Andrews and Blackheath, yet grew with their own local flavour. Many of these historic courses still thrive, serving as living museums for the game’s past.
Old courses today
For modern-day golfers, these legendary venues represent more than just a tough round or scenic view, they’re must-do experiences. To walk the fairways where royalty once played, where Old Tom Morris left his mark, or where the first Open Championships were contested, is to become part of the game’s living history. Whether it’s the windswept bunkers of the Scottish coast or the subtropical greens of Kolkata, each course tells a story that stretches back centuries.
So, if you’re building your ultimate golf course to-do list, make sure these historic gems are near the top. In the sections below, we’ll take you through some of the oldest golf courses in Scotland, England, and around the world – how they began, what they offer today, and why they still matter in the modern game.
Oldest golf course in Scotland
St Andrews Links (Old Course) – Fife
Founded: Golf has been played here since the early 1400s, with official recognition granted in 1552 by Archbishop Hamilton.
History: Widely regarded as the “Home of Golf”. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club was formed here in 1754, playing a key role in formalising the modern rules of the game.
Today: Still a public course, it’s one of seven managed by the St Andrews Links Trust. The Old Course regularly hosts The Open Championship and draws golfers from all over the world.
Highlight: Famous for its Swilcan Bridge, Hell Bunker, and the legendary Road Hole. It’s a bucket-list destination for golfers everywhere.
Musselburgh Links – East Lothian
Founded: Records show golf was played here from 1672, though some accounts suggest activity as early as 1567.
History: Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest golf course still in use. Hosted The Open Championship six times between 1874 and 1889.
Today: A public 9-hole course set inside a horse racing track. Visitors can hire hickory clubs for an authentic, old-school round.
Highlight: Mary, Queen of Scots is said to have played here in the 1560s, making it one of the earliest examples of royal involvement in golf.
Montrose Golf Links – Angus
Founded: Golf has been played on the site since at least 1562.
History: Believed to be the second oldest course in the world after St Andrews. The current club was formally established in 1810.
Today: Home to the 1562 Course, a classic links layout used for national championships and Open qualifying events.
Highlight: Offers traditional links play with spectacular views over the North Sea—a truly historic coastal experience.
Oldest golf course in England
Royal Blackheath Golf Club – London
Founded: Officially established in 1608, although golf was likely played in the area before that.
History: Among the oldest golf clubs in the world. Formed by Scottish nobles serving King James I after the Union of the Crowns.
Today: Now based in Eltham, southeast London. It’s a scenic parkland course with a stately clubhouse and impressive museum collection.
Highlight: Holds one of the world’s most significant collections of early golf artefacts, including antique clubs and historic trophies.
Royal North Devon Golf Club (Westward Ho!) – Devon
Founded: 1864
History: Considered England’s oldest course still on its original site. Designed by Old Tom Morris, with early members including golf writer Horace Hutchinson.
Today: A rugged links course nestled within a nature reserve. Known for its wild terrain, grazing sheep, and timeless feel.
Highlight: The clubhouse houses some of the oldest memorabilia in English golf, making it a treasure trove for history lovers.
Oldest golf courses worldwide
Royal Calcutta Golf Club – Kolkata, India
Founded: 1829
History: The oldest golf club outside the UK, established by members of the British East India Company. Received its “Royal” title from King George V in 1911.
Today: A respected 18-hole course in tropical surroundings, featuring flat fairways, water hazards, and mature trees.
Highlight: Known simply as “the Royal” in local circles, it played a crucial role in introducing golf across Asia.
Royal Montreal Golf Club – Québec, Canada
Founded: 1873
History: The oldest golf club in North America, founded by Scottish immigrants. Gained “Royal” status from Queen Victoria in 1884.
Today: Now located on Île-Bizard, offering 45 holes across three courses. The Blue Course regularly hosts PGA Tour events.
Highlight: Hosted the first Canadian Open in 1904 and the Presidents Cup in 2007 and 2024.
Pau Golf Club – Pau, France
Founded: 1856
History: The oldest golf course in continental Europe, created by British expatriates wintering in the French Pyrenees.
Today: A charming 9-hole course, with an optional nearby 18-hole layout. Retains a blend of British tradition and French character.
Highlight: A favourite of Victorian aristocracy, the club still displays a unique Anglo-French heritage in both design and culture.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – New York, USA
Founded: 1891
History: One of the earliest clubs in the US and the first to admit women from the outset. Originally laid out by Willie Davis, later redesigned by C.B. Macdonald and William Flynn.
Today: A private club in Southampton, Long Island, regularly chosen to host the U.S. Open.
Highlight: Continually ranks among the top 10 courses in the world thanks to its minimalist layout and strategic depth.
Royal Adelaide Golf Club – South Australia
Founded: Originally in 1870, with the current site established in 1892
History: One of the oldest clubs in Australia, moving several times before settling in Seaton in the early 20th century.
Today: A true sandbelt-style course, combining native Australian vegetation with traditional links design. Frequent host of Australian Opens.
Highlight: Consistently rated as one of the top courses in the Southern Hemisphere, and a major influence on Australian course design.
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If you’re lucky enough to play at historic courses like St Andrews or Musselburgh, it’s worth considering golf insurance. These iconic venues offer unforgettable experiences, but as with any golf play can bring unexpected risks — from accidental damage to lost clubs or injuries. Having the right cover lets you focus on the moment, not the mishaps.
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Find out more and get a quote tailored to your needs. Contact our team if you have any questions.
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.