Scotscraig Golf Club
Architects:
Holes of Merit:
1, 4, 7
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Overview
The basis for C.B MacDonald & Seth Raynor's Knoll template hole is probably the fourth.
The oldest medal in golf, The Gold Medal, is still played for at the club - now for over 200 years!
For most, they will drive past the course on their way from St Andrews to Carnoustie blissfully unaware of what they've missed.
Justin Rose is an honorary member. He almost qualified for an Open here at 14 years of age.
Scotscraig Golf Club Videos
See Golfing World's video (skip to 3:15) here
Golf Course Review
Scotscraig Golf Club in the seaside town of Tayport, Fife is located just 10 miles from the famous Old Course at St Andrew's.
The course could be called a hybrid links-heathland and is the 13th oldest golf club in the world! It was founded by members of what would become the R&A. The connection is still strong with Sctoscraig Golf Club used for Open Qualifying when The Open is at St Andrews.
Scotscraig Golf Club Architectural History
Founded in 1817, the course would be extended to 9 holes in 1893. The course was then extended to 18 holes in 1904. In 1923, James Braid would make the course more or less what it is today.
The Knoll Template Hole
It was James Braid who would create the 4th hole known as Westward Ho. The green was located atop a small hill or 'knoll' and the rest is history.
It may seem absurd that placing a green atop a raised done would be enough to cause CB Macdonald along with Seth Raynor popularised the concept in America. But remember, in context, most green sites would have been located in depressions and hollows to aid with rainfall collection. A deviation for the norm would have been more pronounced then than now.
Similar to the Knoll is the Volcano - essentially a Knoll on steroids and typically a par 3. These are found on many of Donald Ross' designs but the original may well have been James Braid's at Gleneagles Kings! Of course, there is conjecture and speculation as anyone who knows of Royal Dornoch and its greens could see where Ross may have found his inspiration.
Whether Westward Ho is the original Knoll or not, this dogleg par 4 is worth the journey a few minutes from St Andrews to see!
Golf Course Photography
Purchase photography of this course here.
Collections
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Visitor Information
Everything you need to know before you go!
Website:
www.scotscraiggolfclub.comAddress:
Fife, DD6 9DZ, Scotland
