How many courses are there in Scotland?
Ernie Payne set himself the challenge of playing all the known golf courses in Scotland (when work allowed). He started in 1983 at Muirfield and completed his task in the 19th of October 2006 playing 589 courses.
Ernie Payne’s home course is Cochrane Castle Golf Club, Johnston Renfrewshire.
His marathon challenge meant that he played on 589 courses. All this was achieved around a normal working life, playing when he could with tremendous support from his wife and family. The following is a short explanation in his own words.
As there is no official list of golf courses, I set myself a challenge a few years ago to play all the courses in Scotland. First I sought out all the five, six, twelve, thirteen and eighteen hole courses in Scotland. Then I began my challenge in 1983, playing at Muirfield. I completed the feat at Kingsbarn on October 19 2006
For the record there are currently 578 courses plus 11 on private estates, a total of 589. I also played three courses now closed – Turnberry Arran, the old course, Kyle and the Arbory Brae Hickory – 15 old courses, five nine hole courses increased to 18 holes and ten old layout courses.
I still have all my score cards and have given each course a rating from albatross, eagle, birdie, par, bogey to double bogey. My handicap began at 11, my lowest was eight, my highest 12 and I am now 10. I’d like to thank my wife, Anne, for her support, over the past 10 years in particular.
She has given up about 1,900 hours of our social life so I could play the 589 courses.
Magnificent effort, Ernie – and make sure that you look after that wonderful wife.
For those that are interested Eric’s brother George is married to James Braid’s great, great granddaughter.
Ernie has decided to take up my challenge to play all of Old Tom’s courses as per my current list, once I have converted it on to regional maps. His new Challenge starts later this year in time to Celebrate the Centenary of Old Tom’s death.
