The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Club hails landmark as first 18-hole course designed by Old Tom
Golf historian traces claims to fame prior to 150th anniversary
A Tayside golf club is celebrating its history by promoting a trio of little-known feats.
Golf historian Neil Laird is celebrating Forfar Golf Club’s credentials, which include three world firsts.
The 149-year-old golf club boasts the world’s first purpose-built 18-hole golf course in continuous use and the first course in Scotland to have 18 holes by original design. It is also the earliest 18-hole course designed by legendary Scottish golfer Old Tom Morris.
Mr Laird, who set up website Scottish Golf History, said Forfar is a trailblazer in the sport.
“Forfar is the earliest example of Old Tom laying out 18 holes and therefore marks a milestone in golf history.
“At Forfar, you have the beginnings of the idea of laying out a course where every hole is different. That is what people try to do now.”
Although the course went on to be redesigned by five-times Open
“At Forfar, you have the beginnings of the idea of laying out a course where every hole is different. HISTORIAN NEIL LAIRD
Champion James Braid in 1926, it is Old Tom’s involvement that Laird believes is of greatest significance.
“It is an Old Tom course.” Established in 1871, 13 of the original greens are still in play today.
Managing secretary Stuart Wilson said: “The history at Forfar Golf Club can be seen on the walls of the clubhouse and in our trophy cabinet.
“Perhaps less well known and less obvious is the important and historic role played by the club in creating the first 18-hole golf course by design. Along with St Andrews, Forfar was at the forefront of the development of the game and it laid down a template for future course design.”
Known for its unusual “rig-and-furrow” topography, the Angus course has hosted a number of tournaments including the Scottish PGA Championship in 1932 and 1966, the Girls’ Home Internationals in 1997, the Scottish Boys in 1976 and 1980 and the Under 16s’ Scottish Boys in 2011. Next year it will welcome the Scottish Girls Under 16s.
Mr Wilson added: “With our 150th anniversary in 2021 coinciding with the 150th Open in St Andrews, we felt this was a good opportunity to proactively ensure the club is appropriately recognised as providing a key turning point in the development of the game.”