Oldest Golf Course: The Roots of the Game You Love

When you think of the oldest golf course, a historic links course where the modern game of golf was first played and codified. Also known as St Andrews Links, it isn’t just a place—it’s the birthplace of golf as we know it. Located in Fife, Scotland, this course has been in play since the 15th century, long before anyone thought golf would become a global sport. It’s not the fanciest or the most manicured today, but it’s the one that set the rules, the layout, and even the 18-hole standard we still use.

The St Andrews Links, a public course with natural dunes, rough fairways, and wind-swept greens. Also known as The Old Course, it was shaped by nature, not architects. Early players used sheep paths and natural contours to navigate the land. The golf hole, the small target in the ground where the ball must be sunk. Also known as the cup, was standardized to 4.25 inches here—still the official size today. And the golf course design, how land, hazards, and fairways are arranged to challenge skill. Also known as links architecture, was born here, not in a boardroom. These weren’t just random rules. They were practical. Players had to adapt to wind, sand, and uneven ground. That’s why the oldest courses still feel different—they demand real golf, not just power or precision.

Modern golf might have flashy new courses, luxury clubs, and tech-loaded clubs, but if you want to understand the soul of the game, you start here. The oldest golf course didn’t just host matches—it created the culture. From amateur club days to professional tournaments, every player who walks these fairways is stepping into a legacy. The posts below dive into the stories behind historic courses, how they shaped today’s game, and why even the most advanced players still look back to these roots. Whether you’re curious about the first golf clubs, why holes are so small, or how Tiger Woods’ courses compare to the originals, you’ll find real context here—not just stats, but stories.