Golf in the USA

When thinking of Scotland’s gifts to the world, Dunfermline has big examples; Andrew Carnegie and his philanthropy, James VI of Scotland (James I of England & Wales) following Union of Crowns in 1603 and local band Nazareth gave the world “Love Hurts”.

One of the biggest stories that may shock you is that Robert Lockhart and John Reid of Dunfermline brought golf to the East Coast of the USA. St Andrews, 50 miles north of here is credited as the Home of Golf. In 1888, John Reid emigrated to the states and teamed up with Robert Lockhart, a linen buyer who established Dunfermline Golf Club in 1887. After playing some holes of golf in a field in upstate New York, they founded the ‘St Andrews Golf Club’.

It is still in existence and is credited as one of the oldest continuous golf clubs in America and boasted Carnegie as a member. The earliest known round of golf in the USA goes to Savannah Golf Club, played in 1794. It was in 1894 that the US PGA was established in New York and American golf has not looked back.

Named Golfdrum, these streets are thought to be where James VI played golf for relaxation when in Dunfermline, shortly after he had gifted the burgh to his new wife Queen Anne of Denmark. His mother, Mary Queen of Scots, is credited with playing at St Andrews on what is now called the Old Course. 

Dunfermline has three golf courses Pitreavie, Canmore and Dunfermline, they are always keen to share their challenges with visiting golfers.

Weblinks:
Pitreavie Golf Club
Dunfermline Golf Club
Canmore Golf Club 

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