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David_Tepper

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Scottish Golf and the Railways
« on: September 24, 2004, 06:54:11 AM »
The link between the development of golf in Scotland and the railways has been discussed several times on this board. Yesterday, in the Dornoch Book Shop, I came across two books written by Ian Nalder on the subject - 'Golf and the Railway Connection' and 'Scotland's Golf in the Days of Steam'.  I am guessing they are available only in the UK.  
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Phil_the_Author

Re:Scottish Golf and the Railways
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2004, 01:09:03 PM »
Tillinghast, in writing about his first visit to St. Andrews in 1895, mentioned the pleasure of traveling by rail. “As the train neared St. Andrews, that Mecca for golfers, and I noted the gradually increasing numbers of the faithful, I marveled that the popularity of the ancient game had continued, unabated throughout the centuries…
      “Once in St. Andrews one revels in golf. He is a slave for the nonce. He is in a new world – a new being. The atmosphere of the old town is redolent with golf. The very tots amuse themselves with miniature golf clubs, which take the place of the usual toys so dear to the ordinary child.”
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Mark_Rowlinson

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Re:Scottish Golf and the Railways
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2004, 01:36:18 PM »
OK, you can't get to St A's by train any more, but there are still many famous courses which are easily accessible by rail: Birkdale, Hillside, Formby, West Lancs, Prestwick, Aberdovey, Seascale, to name but a few.  I am old enough to remember the old steam railway puffing into Newcastle station in the early 50s - it ran along the side of the second course at R Co Down, but must have been defunct now for 50 years. There are lots round London, too, such as Denham, Beaconsfield, Sunningdale, West Byfleet....
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Bob_Huntley

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Re:Scottish Golf and the Railways
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2004, 01:39:25 PM »
Mark,

The railway runs along the lower part of Flackwell Heath but I daresay it would be a long climb to the club-house.

Bob
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Mark_Rowlinson

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Re:Scottish Golf and the Railways
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2004, 01:53:00 PM »
Indeed it would!
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Phil_the_Author

Re:Scottish Golf and the Railways
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2004, 02:29:51 PM »
Mark,

In my first ever trip to Scotland this past May I flew into Glascow & took the train as close as I could to St. Andrews. I found the short taxi ride I took through town & to the bed & breakfast in Kingsbarns where I stayed (The Barns - I can't recommend this place enough) to be quick & enjoyable.

I found traveling by train with bags & a golf clubs remarkably easy & pleasurable, & I am looking forward to get to more places when I am again over there ten days from now.

Is anyone attending the Dunhill Championships at St. Andrews, Carnoustie & KIngsbarns?
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