The debate might rage on between some golf historians, but it is widely accepted that the modern game of golf dates back to the 16th century in Scotland, when sheep and other livestock were part of the greenskeeping crews.
As with anything dating back to the 1500s, details can be hard to solidify. But the conventional wisdom among those who have delved deeply into the history books has given us a list of places it all began and where we can still whack a little white ball from tee to green.
Here are the 18 oldest golf courses in the world:
Ranking Oldest Golf Courses In the World
| Course Name | Location | Year Opened |
| The Old Course at St. Andrews | St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland | 1552 |
| Montrose Golf Links (1562 Course) | Montrose, Angus, Scotland | 1562 |
| Elie and Earlsferry Links | Elie & Earlsferry, Fife, Scotland | 1589 |
| Musselburgh Links (Old Course) | Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland | 1672 |
| Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Course | Fortrose, Scotland | 1702 |
| Kingsbarns Golf Links | Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland | 1793 |
| Kinghorn Golf Course | Kinghorn, Fife, Scotland | 1812 |
| Scotscraig Golf Course | Tayport, Fife, Scotland | 1817 |
| Ratho Farm Golf Links | Bothwell, Tasmania, Australia | 1822 |
| North Berwick West Links | North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland | 1832 |
| Carnoustie Golf Links | Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland | 1842 |
| Montifieth Links | Monifieth, Scotland | 1845 |
| Leven Links | Leven, Scotland | 1846 |
| Prestwick Golf Club | Prestwick, Scotland | 1851 |
| Lanark Golf Club | Lanark, Scotland | 1851 |
| Dunbar East Links | Dunbar, Scotland | 1856 |
| Pau Golf Club | Billere, France | 1856 |
| The Curragh | Kildare, Ireland | 1857 |
What’s the Oldest Golf Course In the World Right Now?
The Old Course at St. Andrews is widely regarded as the home of golf, with play officially dating back to 1552 in the Scottish seaside town.
It is contended that golf began here in the 1400s, before it was banned in 1457 by the Scottish King James II, who wanted young men practicing archery and other military skills rather than sports.
When the ban was lifted by King James IV, The Old Course was recorded as the original place to play, and it remains a mecca for golfers today.
The Open Championship, golf’s oldest major, has been played at The Old Course 30 times and will return in 2027.
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