From a letter to the editor of Golf magazine, 12/1890:
Sir,
I see in your last issue that a gentleman (by name of Mr.Stevens) is anxious to get a little information regarding laying out a Golf links. I hope you will allow me space in your valuable golfing paper to answer the question as far a as possible.
1. As to the length and breadth of links. If you have so many miles of ground you can put holes down at, say, from 100 to 550 yards, varying them accordingly. The breadth may be from 50 to 100 yards.
2. Regarding the probable cost of preparing it. If the putting-greens had to be laid out, it would require £5 for each green. then, if the course had to be cleared of gorse bushes of whins it would likely cost about £200.
3. Regarding the third question, the best way to form a club would be to get as many of your friends together as possible, and form a club; then advertise that such a club has been instituted. As to subscription, the scale of the club entry money runs from 2s, 6d to £10.
4. There is no necessity to have trees on a Golf course; large sand pits dug in the course called bunkers or a whin or two serve as a hazard to all players.
5. With reference to this last inquiry, it would entirely depend upon what the rental of ground was, and whether it was depriving the landlord or tenant of any pasturage which he may have let.
I may state in conclusion that if the putting -greens require to be laid with turf, this is the best time of year, provided the ground is moist so as to let the turf get hold.
I am, Sir, &c.,
Tom Morris