The Scotsman ran this story, demonstrating how proud the Scots are of  their historic connections to the game. Things have been heating up recently in the debate over where golf truly originated, with the Chinese producing some ancient documents that claim they are the true home of golf. Perhaps this could be the next big head to head. 'Who would win a fight between the Scots and the Chinese?'

THE first recorded rules of golf were given a rare public outing yesterday. The historic document, taken down in minutes for Edinburgh City Council in the 18th century, was the first to set out how to play a tournament.

With advice from the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the authority drew up regulations on 7 March, 1744. Councillors decided golfers should pay five shillings to enter the tournament on Leith Links and clerks had to accompany each player to make sure no cheating occurred.

The 262-year-old book was brought out to launch the Leith Rules Golf Society's programme for the forthcoming year.

Link: http://sport.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=348612006

3/8/2006 6:36:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0]