A History of Golf in East Lothian

A history of golf in East lothian

Featuring The Sixth Oldest Golf Club In The World

The Royal Musselburgh

A rich history in Musselburgh Founded in 1774, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club is the home of the oldest trophy still competitively played for in the world - the Old Club Cup.Following several fruitful years where Musselburgh grew in strength, golf’s popularity decreased to the point when it was almost dormant at Musselburgh from 1797 to 1807, although the Club Cup was still competed each year.

The Old Club Cup has listed winners that date back to the year that the club was founded and was presented to Musselburgh Golf Club by Mr Thomas McMillan or Shorthope who won it and was announced as Captain of the club in 1774.

The golf club received Royal patronage on 19th December 1876 when HRH Duke of Connaught granted permission for the club to use the term Royal. The Duke remained the patron of the golf club until his death in 1942.

The golf club

A location for golf

The challenging par 70 Musselburgh golf course was designed by legendary golf course architect, James Braid and offers a stern but enjoyable test of golf for even the most accomplished of players.

Located just a few minutes south of Edinburgh, the Lothians region is one of Scotland’s finest golf break destinations with a choice of well over twenty-two golf courses to test all ages and abilities.

The superb, Prestongrange house that houses Royal Musselburgh’s clubhouse overlooks the eighteenth green. With daily menus catering for all manner of dining occasions, the clubhouse offers a spacious, comfortable space to relax pre or post round.

The club’s restaurant caters for members and guests through a range of seasonal menus and offers the very best in seasonal produce. The restaurant’s family friendly atmosphere and elegant décor make it a popular choice for dining in East Lothian.

The clubhouse also features the superbly-appointed, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club Professional Shop which stocks the latest equipment and clothing from some of the game’s leading manufacturers. A dedicated PGA Professional are also on hand to offer tips and advice on member’s swings as well as the latest trends on the fairways.

Visiting groups can enjoy a blend of traditional links exposed to the varying wind conditions of the region and an excellent array of inland golf courses; many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers.

The rugged and beautiful coastline of East Lothian is affectionately known as Scotland’s Golf Coast with so much choice within an hour’s drive from the historic and lively capital city of Edinburgh and its international airport.

The interesting old market town of Musselburgh lies six miles east of Edinburgh where the River Esk meets the sea. The town is well known for golf, its famous racecourse as well as many great architectural displays.

Musselburgh really does offer something for everyone.

Only 20 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh and 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club is easily accessed by visitors to the East Lothian region.

The club offers an array of day tickets and society packages which can be tailored to meet the needs and budgets of the visiting party and, with experience of catering for all manner of events, visiting groups can enjoy everything from a simple bacon roll and coffee on arrival to a light lunch or two course meal in formal settings following completion of their round.

Prestongrange House The Norman family, de Quincy, had the estate of Prestongrange until they supported the losing side in the run-up to Bannockburn. it then went to the Abbey of Newbattle and, in turn, to the families of Kerr, Morrsion and Grant. A William Grant had three daughters, Janet, Agnes and Jane. Janet maried the Earl of Hyndford and as Lady Hyndford, held the estate after her husband’s death; Agnes married Sir George Suttie, and three generations later Sir James Grant-Stuttie married Lady Susan Kerr. Distinguished as the men may have been, it is the ladies who are remembered, the widowed Lady Hyndford and Lady Susan both, as kindly benefactresses. The house has, as its core, a Norman tower, added to and converted into a mansion. It was bought by the Coal Welfare Organisation in 1958 as club-house of the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club. A painted ceiling dated 1581 was found above old plaster and is now preserved in Napier University, Edinburgh.

ROYAL MUSSELBURGH GOLF CLUB

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long the beautiful East Lothian coastline of Scotland lies home to the sixth oldest golf club in the world, the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club.

Royal Musselburgh as a golf club is renowned for many things, especially its history. Dating back to the 1700's, Preston Grange House was originally owned by the Norman family de Quincy running the estate of Preston grange until they supported the losing side in the run up to the Battle of Bannockburn.

With many happenings over the years the full course was opened back in September 1926 and designed by the famous Open Championship golf architect James Braid. This first class picturesque parkland which stretches over 6,254 yards, is kept in tip top condition and is a treat to play. At only 149 yards comes “The Gully Hole”, so figure it out! How difficult could it be? From the tee you can't see what the hole has in store! Following over this 18 hole course is a skills test, lets hope the wind is on your side and blowing in the right direction offering an enjoyable challenging game. Certainly a course for the to do list!

Steeped in history The Old Club Cup has been awarded at The Royal Musselburgh since 1774 and is still played for competitively to this day. This valuable Silver Cup is housed in The National Golf Museum on the Scottish East coast of St. Andrews.

Prestongrange House, Prestonpans EH32 9RP.

The Sixth Oldest Golf Club In The World

There is no better way to experience our club than to come along and give us a visit to take in the history and enjoy the experience in this beautiful location.

Making it a memorable time ,or even a society day, the club always extends a warm welcome to visiting golfers and golf societies. With our dedicated PGA Professional Calum Smith, who is an active player on the Tartan Tour keeping his hand in at tournament level. Be guided through your day by Calum and his two assistants.

Calum offers various packages including the popular STAR PACKAGE, which includes.

STAR PACKAGE £99 2 Range Golf Lessons 2 Short Game Lessons 1x4 Hole Playing Lesson Enjoy our Special Offer of having a 15 month Membership for the price of 12 months.

T:01875819000 E:managementsecretary@royalmusselburgh.co.uk W:www.royalmusselburgh.co.uk

The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club Est 1760-74

Official Full Course Opening.

Wednesday, 29th September, 1926

www.royalmusselburgh.co.uk