Golf Timeline Homepage
1735
The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh is formed. It is still in existance today, making it the world's oldest golf club (association).
For the first time on record, golf equipment is shipped from Scotland to the American Colonies.
The Gentleman Golfers of Leith (later renamed the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) produces the first known written rules of golf.
1744
The City of Edinburgh pays for a Silver Cup to be awarded to the annual champion in an open competition played at Leith. John Rattray is the first champion.
Approximate date of first-known use of forged metal for clubheads.
The St. Andrews Society of Golfers (later to become known as the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews) is formed.
1754
Golfers at St. Andrews purchase a Silver Cup for an open championship played on the Old Course. Bailie William Landale is the first champion.
1759
Earliest-known reference to stroke-play, at St. Andrews. Previously, all play was match.
St. Andrews converts its links from 22 holes in length to 18 holes in length (See: Origins of 18 Holes).
Royal Blackheath, near London, becomes the first golf club formed outside of Scotland.
1767
James Durham plays the St. Andrews links in 94 strokes, a record that will stand for nearly a century.
1768
The Golf House at Leith is erected. It is the first golf clubhouse.
1786
A group of Scotsman in Charleston, South Carolina - led by Dr. Henry Purcell, dean of a local church - form the South Carolina Golf Club, believed to be the first golf club in North America. The group meets and plays golf in an open area above the town known as Harleston Green. The club existed for about 15-20 years before dissolving.
