Tropicana July-August 2024 #155 The Merdeka Issue

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JULY/AUGUST 2024 TRAVEL
Est 1822: Ratho Farm Golf Links
Proud to be the world's oldest golf course outside of Scotland,
Ratho Farm Golf Links in Bothwell, Tasmania, Australia,
was established in 1822. Alexander Reid emmigrated from
Scotland to Bothwell, Australia with his family, and laid out
the Australia's first golf course. Though it has undergone
renovations and modernizations through its nearly twocentury
history, some of the original, square greens remain.
Following Scottish tradition, Ratho Farms is not only a
completley public course, but you can play it for about $50 a
round. 18 holes and is open to the public.
Est 1793: Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns Golf Links has an interesting history. The course
was built in 1793 and golf was enjoyed for decades at spring
and autumn meetings. However, in 1850, the land was plowed
and repurposed as farm land. In 1922 the golf club was reestablished
and a new nine-hole course was laid out.
That course lasted until World War II, when the land was
mined, the reverted back to pasture. The existing course was
built at the turn of the 21st century, when it became the first
course built on Scotish links land in 70 years. That makes
it one of the newest, and oldest golf courses in the world.
Hopefully this time it's here to stay. 18 holes and it open to
the public.
Est 1793: Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club
With official roots dating to 1793, Fortrose and Rosemarkie
Golf Club is among the oldest in the world, and as with several
other courses on this list, there's evidence of golf taking place
Ratho Farm Golf Links
on the grounds long before the official beginning. At Fortrose
and Rosemarkie Golf Club, golf was likely played as early as
1702. 18 holes and open to the public.
Est 1672: Musselburgh Links
If you're looking for proof that the slice is as old as golf itself,
Musselburgh Links has it. While the course officially opened in
1672, it's documented that Mary, Queen of Scots played golf
on the grounds back in 1567. Golfers would often slice their
ball onto the road to the right of the course. From there, an
all-wood club wasn't enough, and in 1885 the brass plate to
reinforce the club was invented, bringing golf the "brassie." 9
holes and open to the public.
Kingsbarns Golf Links