Monday, October 13, 2025

The Old Course

So here's a question for you: According to the website "oldest.org," how many of the 10 oldest golf courses in the world are located in Scotland? 

While you think about that, TigerBlog will tell you that 1) he never heard of this website until he started researching the oldest golf courses and 2) it's addicting. 

In fact, about five hours elapsed between when TB wrote the first sentence and then the second sentence, since he was clicking on one "what is the oldest" list after another (okay, that's an exaggeration of sorts). 

For instance, did you know that Schweppes is the oldest soda in the world (dating to 1783)? Or that Crosse and Blackwell is the oldest food brand in the world (1706)? Any guesses on where the oldest restaurant in the United States is? That would be in Newport, R.I., where the White Horse Tavern was established in 1673 (they weren't taking online reservations back then). 

And what is the oldest surviving roadside attraction in the U.S.? Hint — it's in New Jersey. 

Okay, to answer the first question, of the 10 oldest golf courses in the world, there are 10 located in Scotland. The oldest is the aptly named Old Course at St. Andrews, which dates to 1552. King James II, though, banned the sport through a parliamentary act in the 16th century, and that ban lasted for 40 years. 

Why did he do that? Here's one note TB found:

The king believed that golf, along with football, was taking time away from practicing archery, which was crucial for national defense. The ban was part of a broader effort to ensure that every able-bodied man remained proficient in the use of the bow and arrow, a weapon that could turn the tide in medieval warfare. Despite the ban, golf continued to be played clandestinely, and its popularity grew, leading to its eventual acceptance and formalization. The ban is often cited as a quirky historical footnote in the evolution of golf, which later became a national sport in Scotland. 

Of course, James II died at the age of 29 when one of his own cannons exploded next to where he was standing. He became, apparently, his own personal 19th hole.  

The reason TigerBlog brings all this up today is because the Princeton men's and women's golf teams are currently in Scotland for their fall break. Even better, they're competing in the St. Andrews Links Collegiate, which teed off this morning. 

You can watch the event today, tomorrow and Wednesday on the Golf Channel from 9 am to noon Eastern time. 

This is from TB's colleague Chas Dorman, who is there to report:

The opening two rounds will be played at the Jubilee Course and the final round will be contested at the Old Course.

The format for the tournament includes 36 holes of stroke play in the first two rounds, with an individual champion crowned for both the women and the men. In addition, the first two rounds will determine seeding for the Championship and Consolation Matches on the final day at the Old Course. Joining the Tigers in the field will be Cal and Michigan State as well as the hosts from the University of St. Andrews. Previous champions include Arizona (women) and Northwestern (men) in 2024 and North Carolina (women) and Vanderbilt (men) in 2023. 

It's also possible that Chas will be hitting a golf ball or two during his time there. Such a trip would have been wasted on TigerBlog, who, as you probably know if you've been reading, is awful at golf.  

On the other hand, TB does love history. And who couldn't love to see where it all started, even if it had to be hidden from the King? 

How cool does this look: 

And the oldest surviving roadside attraction in America? That would be the great Lucy the Elephant in Margate, which was built in 1882. At least that's what oldest.org says. If you've never checked out Lucy, she's a pretty imposing lady. 

Also, if you're in Margate to see Lucy, stop by the Downbeach Deli. Get the brisket.  

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