Famed Scottish golf club Scotscraig Golfing Club, founded in 1817, has unveiled its newly restored clubhouse following the completion of a major refurbishment project.
The championship links course, established by members of The Society of St Andrews Golfers (now The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews), has undergone significant investment across both the course and clubhouse over the winter months, culminating in the opening of the Playfair Trophy Room, named after Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair, the Club’s first Gold Medal winner and later Club Captain.
Welcome to Scotscraig GC – Founded in 1817
Stunning-looking Scotscraig GC. Image Scotscraig GC
The Gold Medal will be one of the signature pieces on display at the club, having recently been brought home from the R&A World Golf Museum. It is one of the oldest amateur medals still contested in the game today, having been played since its inaugural year in 1818.
Unveiled at the event by descendant Edward Playfair was a portrait of Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair, a significant figure not only to Scotscraig, but to the history of St Andrews, and the game of golf. Playfair was Provost of St Andrews from 1842 until his death in 1861, and oversaw the revival of the town, as well as the rejuvenation of St Andrews Golf Club.
The modernised restaurant area at Scotscraig GC. Image Scotscraig.
Members of Sir Playfair’s family attended the celebration, alongside representatives from local government, community leaders, and some of the country’s most respected golf clubs.
Club Captains George Heron and Jean Driscoll both paid tribute to Playfair’s impact on the game and to the thoughtful restoration project delivered in partnership with The Ancient Links Golf Company.
Leanne Mirrey, General Manager, said “Scotscraig is an historic Scottish golf club, and we have worked hard to re-establish its true significance within the game. Through thoughtful stewardship, the clubhouse now reflects the dignity and character that a club of this age and standing deserves – after all, Scotscraig is the oldest golf course in the world still owned and played by its founding club.
It has been a joy to see how our members have embraced the improvements across the course and clubhouse, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience this special place, where golf’s greatest stories are lived, shared, and passed on.”
Scotscraig Golf Club
Scotscraig Golfing Club’s history extends back over 200 years, and was designed by the game’s greatest architects, Davie Robertson and Old Tom Morris, then later refined by James Braid.
Founded in 1817 by some members of the St. Andrews Society of Golfers (later to become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club) who wished to play more golf than the Society’s occasional meetings afforded them, Scotscraig is one of the game’s most important and historic courses, as well as a modern-day championship venue.
Scotscraig was originally laid out across the Garpit Race Course, and in fact the first two holes as still exactly as they were 200 years ago. The Gold Medal, first won by Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair, Provost of St Andrews, and subsequent Captain of the R&A, is still played for today, and is one of the oldest medals still played for in the game.
The Playfair Trophy Room is home to the Gold Medal, and more than 200 years of golfing history and memorabilia. Significant recent investment across both course and clubhouse has restored the club to its grand beginnings and centred it at the heart of the game and the local community once again.
As well, from 1984 to 2010 Scotscraig joined other local Fife courses in proudly playing host to Final Qualifying for The Open Championship and in the years when golf’s oldest major was being staged at closeby St. Andrews.
