FORE the Ages
(Golf History)

Scottish Golf Traditions- Sea, wind, fishermen, and sheep all shaped the game

by Trevor W. Jackson

St. Andrew's Old Course, inward nine denoted by the red flag - humps and hollows and gorse in the right foreground.

So it was, and has been; So it is and will be. I abide unchallenged, And peerless is my Name. History behind me, I give all who find me Welcome and a Blessing To the Glory of the Game. Extracted from "St. Andrews" an appreciation; Robert Chambers.

The Early Golf Links

Over the millennia, the tides, wind and weather created the first golfing ground along the coastal regions of Scotland. These rippling sand dunes linking the arable land and shoreline were called "links"-land, and thus were named the "golf links," after the game developed. In fact, the sea, the wind, the fishermen and the sheep straying all over the links, gave us the lore, the customs and the language of golf that we enjoy today.

 

The Language and Customs of Golf Belong to the Sea

Just as the fishermen set out into the North Sea, risking life and limb on the rocks and shoals, following the voice of their experienced Captain when danger threatened, using seafaring language to describe their journey, so too did this language describe the game of golf.

The "fairway" between the rocks, "the hazard" (rocks), the "Captain" of the golf club, the "outward" and "inward" holes, the "home" green (home port), are just a few examples of how the sailor's language became the language of golf.

Because the sea was integral in the development of the game, you will often find the mast of a large sailing vessel gracing the putting greens of many older courses, and the flags flown in seafaring style with the yardarm.

Homeward bound vessels had the right of way, because the sailors returning to port were tired and weary from hauling nets by hand. So too on the links, golfers approaching the double greens (where courtesy and etiquette had their origins), have the right to play first.

At St. Andrews, its position at the confluence of the river Eden and the North Sea, provided the raw material where the town's fishermen had to walk from the town to their boats moored in the river's safety, beyond the present day 7th green and 8th tee. The Swilcan footbridge was used for this purpose long before golf came on the scene in the 1300's. The "home" green, offering sanctuary, must be approached through the Valley of Sin, the deep hollow in front of the 18th green at St. Andrews, where many a match has been lost. Thus, the golfer returns to the safety of the "harbor" - the clubhouse, family and friends.

Also at St. Andrews, but not necessarily unique, is the outward nine being indicated by white flags, while the inward nine are red. However, the 18th hole, out of sequence, is white. This represents the surrender of your soul to the course (God's creation), and your celebration of the game above your personal achievement.

The Swilcan Burn Bridge with the Royal & Ancient Golf Clubhouse on the left.

 

Winds Help Shape the Course

The gales that lash the Scottish coast in winter, up to Force-Ten or 70 mph., shaped these links as much as anything else. The hollows were the only place the sheep could shelter, and in gathering repeatedly in the same hollows, caused the first "bunkers" to form. A "bunker" was a word used to describe a "coal bunker" or "military bunker" and usually was a deep hollow - the so-called "pot" bunkers - hated but at the same time, revered, by all who love the lore of the links.

The force of the wind also required a short flagstick and deep retaining cup, to withstand the beating that the flag received. Pure white was the color, because in earlier times, long strands of sheep's wool were tied to sticks to mark the hole's location. This classic white flag on a black and white stepped flagstick remains in play on the traditional courses today - no logos here!Mother Nature Makes the Game Hard to Master

The rippling wave-like fairways of true links golf, resulting from centuries of wind-driven sand and receding waves, is one of the main reasons the game is hard to master. The "bump and run" shot, under the wind, the luck of the bounce on a fine drive, the subtle "borrows" on the seemingly flat greens, all owe their origins to the wind, waves and rain.

Links golf never presents a level stance among the humps and hollows, and as the ball frequently finds the hollow, one is forced to address the ball from the hump.

An approach shot landing 20 yards short of the putting surface may move in several directions over the rippled ground before settling down to a truer roll.

It is usual to allow for the effect of the wind when chipping and putting at

the golf links. Downslope, down grain, down wind, is a certain formula to be further away after your first attempt to gain the hole. It is not unusual - on a putt - to allow more break from the wind than the slope of the ground. The shots were, and are, the art of golf - allowing the challenger not only

to vanquish his adversary, but earn the spoils of victory. From out of what Mother Nature first designed, grew the game of golf that we play today.

 

The Glory of the Game

Over the many centuries, the multitude who played over the golf links found the rigors of the round could be celebrated and shared at the 19th hole. It is a fitting testament to these pioneers of the game, who out of virtually nothing, created a lasting legacy where honesty, camaraderie, etiquette and respect for your fellow competitor could be the norm.

Victories won and lost, honors given and bestowed, the chance to live and fight another day, are the unchanging attributes of the game we share.

 

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Trevor W. Jackson a noted golf historian focuses on preservation of the history of the Royal and Ancient Game. As President of G.M.I., Trevor specializes in international golf real estate development, management and off-shore financial investments. He can be reached at 561-848-9052.