November 2011 The Gowffer’s Tattle
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The Gowffer’s Tattle The aim of the society is to increase the recognition of Leith Links as the home of the earliest recorded rules of golf and one of the game’s prominent early locations. Issue 7 November 2011 www.leith-rules-golf.co.uk LEITH RULES GOLF SOCIETY N EWSLETTER Golf in Days Gone By I have been reading part of a famous book written first in 1890 on “Golf” by Horace Hutch- inson. Much of it is about golf in Scotland in the very early days of the eighteenth century and its beginnings on Leith Links. Two points struck me. One is the statement in the book - ‘Leith golfing was not dour and solemn but gay and convivial. In the last century the great- est and wisest of the land were to be seen on the Links of Leith, mingling freely with the hum- blest mechanics in pursuit of their common and beloved amusement. All distinctions of rank were levelled by the joyous spirit of the game. Lords of Sessions and cobblers, knights, baronets and tailors might all be seen earnestly contesting for the palms of superior dexterity and vehemently but good-humoredly discussing moot points of the game.’ Before the present golf-house was built in 1786, the merry golf-players of Leith used to frequent the house of Straiton, who then kept a tavern at the head of the Kirkgate. They were wont to close the day with copious libations of pure and unadulterated claret, it says. The second point is from the same chapter of the book and surprised me: it is about the playing activities of women in those far-off days. It says - ‘As they do the work of men their manners are masculine and their strength and activity is equal to their work. On holidays they frequently play at golf; and on Shrove Tuesday there is a standing match at football between the married and unmarried women in which the former are always victors.’ Is this a forerunner of what is to be? Let us cheer up. Douglas Foulis, President A classical piece about the history of Golf Olive Geddes: A Swing Through Time Golf on Leith Links in Days Gone By Highlights of 2011 The John Rattray Statue ‘The Heritage of Golf ’ Museum The World Hickory Golf Competition 2012 Events “…Make You Bals Flee Whistling in the Aire“ Peruse the ancient collection of poems, written documents, paintings and diaries that show evidence of the earliest days of golf, in Olive Geddes (see photograph) book “A Swing Through Time”. The book offers a beautiful collection of the written records of golf from 1457 – 1744. Hopefully you had the chance to see all objects in her well received exhibition at the National Library of Scotland that ended in March or to hear about it in her speech at the 2011 AGM. We are fortunate in that many of the docu- ments mentioned are available for consultation at the National Library of Scotland alternatively – keep them in your pocket with the paperback which is on sale. Notes by Kristin Goldbach, CICL from an Interview with Olive Geddes From the poem by Henry Adamson’s The Muses Threnodie, or Mirthfull Mournings on the Death of Master Gall. Edinburgh 1638. In this Issue 1
Transcript of November 2011 The Gowffer’s Tattle
The Gowffer’s TattleThe aim of the society is to increase the recognition of Leith Links as the home of the earliest recorded
rules of golf and one of the game’s prominent early locations.Issue 7November 2011
www.leith-rules-golf.co.ukLeith RuLes GoLf society NewsLetteR
Golf in Days Gone ByI have been reading part of a famous book written first in 1890 on “Golf” by Horace Hutch-inson. Much of it is about golf in Scotland in the very early days of the eighteenth century and its beginnings on Leith Links.Two points struck me. One is the statement in the book - ‘Leith golfing was not dour and solemn but gay and convivial. In the last century the great-est and wisest of the land were to be seen on the Links of Leith, mingling freely with the hum-blest mechanics in pursuit of their common and beloved amusement. All distinctions of rank were levelled by the joyous spirit of the game. Lords of Sessions and cobblers, knights, baronets and tailors might all be seen earnestly contesting for the palms of superior dexterity and vehemently but good-humoredly discussing moot points of the game.’Before the present golf-house was built in 1786, the merry golf-players of Leith used to frequent
the house of Straiton, who then kept a tavern at the head of the Kirkgate. They were wont to close the day with copious libations of pure and unadulterated claret, it says. The second point is from the same chapter of the book and surprised me: it is about the playing activities
of women in those far-off days. It says - ‘As they do the work of men their manners are masculine and their strength and activity is equal to their work. On holidays they frequently play at golf; and on Shrove Tuesday there is a standing match at football between the married and unmarried women in which the former are always victors.’
Is this a forerunner of what is to be? Let us cheer up.
Douglas Foulis, President
A classical piece about the history
of Golf
Olive Geddes: A Swing Through Time Golf on Leith Links in Days Gone By
Highlights of 2011 The John Rattray Statu e
‘The Heritage of Golf’ Museum The World Hickory Golf Competition 2012 Events
“…Make You Bals Flee Whistling in the Aire“
Peruse the ancient collection of poems, written documents, paintings and diaries that show evidence of the earliest days of golf, in Olive Geddes (see photograph) book “A Swing Through Time”. The book offers a beautiful collection of the written records of golf from 1457 – 1744. Hopefully you had the chance to see all objects in her well received exhibition at the National Library of Scotland that ended in March or to hear about it in her speech at the 2011 AGM. We are fortunate in that many of the docu-ments mentioned are available for consultation at the National Library of Scotland alternatively – keep them in your pocket with the paperback which is on sale.
Notes by Kristin Goldbach, CICL from an Interview with Olive Geddes
From the poem by Henry Adamson’s The Muses Threnodie, or Mirthfull Mournings on the Death of Master Gall. Edinburgh 1638.
In this Issue
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The Year so Far!A Visit to Archie Baird’s MuseumOur first event of the year was held on the 7th March to mark the anniversary of the signing of the first recorded rules of golf. This year we had a day at the seaside when we visited Gullane and had lunch at the Clubhouse. The reason for the pilgrimage was to visit the golf museum which is run by our lifetime member Archie Baird. A great afternoon out.
MatchesOur first match of the year was against our friends from Mussel-burgh Old. If I say it is the taking part which is important it will tell you that we lost!! The score was aconvincing 5 to 1 win for
Musselburgh. Our thanks to all at Musselburgh Old for a great day out.At the Hickory Golf our first match was against Musselburgh Old be-ing the return fixture following our hammering on the Old Course. We set off with very good intentions unfortunately they did not last very long and we lost the match 3 games to 1. So no improvement on the playing front.The following evening we hosted Bruntsfield Short Hole Club on Leith Links just to keep things in line we managed to lose this one 3 games to 1 as well. If nothing LRGS are consistent.
Foulis MedalThe Foulis Medal once again proved a popular event. The win-ners were South Leith Church for the third time since the competi-tion started.
Hickory OpenAs usual we had two competitions
the Open and Handicap. The Open Winners for the second year were Gifford Golf Club who beat AlandAl in the final. This is the fifth time Steven Doyle has won the Open Competition so congratulations to him. In the Handicap Final the PAR Team of Robin Morris and Pat Denzler had a four stroke ad-vantage over Brothers In Arms which proved to be too much of an advantage.We were delighted to welcome Kenny Macskill, MSP to present our prizes at the end on competi-tion.
Match v Bruntsfield at Bruntsfield LinksOur one success of the year a win 21/2 to 11/2 but it must be said with an 8 hole start!!!! Good company, excellent hospitality, golf at it’s best. Well done to the LRGS players
Brian Graham, Secretary
A Rule too Many on Leith Links?We continue to by stymied by a Rule within the Confirmation Act of 1991 which allows only Bandstands, Public conveniences, police boxes and buildings for housing apparatus for the supply of electricity or gas to be built on Leith Links. A very restrictive list doubtless set up with good intentions but now restricting a number of worth-while developments of Leith Links to transform it from Fair to “Premier Park” status. We have continued with our efforts to gain clear planning consent for a statue of John Rattray to be sited in the park as we believe Leith Links, the historic location of golf in Leith, is the only appropriate place for a Rattray memorial. Presentations of our plans for the Statue have been well received locally at Leith Links Steering Group meetings and at the August meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council when Councillor Rob Munn put forward details of our plans. He has now obtained a clear report for the most recent Council meeting and followed this up with an Amendment. This to enable him to take forward the issue of our Statue as a “one-off” case to meet our July 2013 proposed unveiling when the Open returns to Muirfield .We are indebted to Cllr. Munn and the City for their support and will continue to work with them to bring John Rattray home to Leith and hope with this to help raise the Park’s status from Fair to “Premier” and enhance the Park’s appeal for residents and tourists.
Pat Denzler, ChairEditors Note
We hope you will enjoy this, the 7th edition of the LRGS Newsletter. It provides an historic backdrop and indicates the significance of Leith Links and other early Scottish courses in the evolution of the game. We are indebted to Olive Ged-
des, Archie Baird and Lionel Freedman for their contributions and the most helpful cooperation given to Fionnuala and Kristin. As you will see LRGS is making considerable progress and we are highly encouraged by the support given to us
by City of Edinburgh Council. We give special thanks to Councillor Rob Munn.
William Cairns, Editor
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“In the Garden of Eden lay AdamLasciviously gazing at MadamAnd he chuckled with mirthBecause he knew on the EarthThere were only two balls he had ‘em!”
A Walk Through TimeOn a blustery autumn day we find ourselves comfortably squeezed into Archie Baird’s Heritage of Golf Museum – a treas-ure trove in which we discover the ancient roots of golf. A collec-tion of golf artefacts and paintings meets our gaze as we step into the museum’s room. A lively tour unfolds, personally guided by the collector and historian Archie Baird. Our journey starts in Holland, where golf was played on ice in 1300. It came to Scotland around 150 years later through trad-ing activities with the Dutch. In our expedition, we discovered that the Scots introduced innovative design, methods and skilled craftsmen to develop the clubs and balls, thereby the game evolved. In the early days of golf, mainly rich people only could afford to play as it was expensive to buy the handmade gear. Golf Societies were formed by those gentlemen. The Scottish interven-tion with cheaper more durable materials lead to the spread of the popularity and joy of golf worldwide. To remember the first 15 Golf Clubs of Scotland could be the objective of one’s visit to Archie Baird’s museum. He knows them all, do you?See, touch, smell and hear the story of golf with Archie Baird and his personal collection of artefacts and paintings, and history comes alive. Step into the ‘The Heritage of Golf Museum” next to the Professional’s Shop at Gullane Golf Club (East Lothian).
We wish to express our appreciation and the pleasure we derived from our kind host Archie who was marvellous.
For viewing by appointment only, con-tact Archie Baird on 01875 870 277. http://www.heritageofgolf.org/
Fionnuala Collins and Kristin Golbach, CICL
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General Enquiries:
Leith Rules Golf Societyc/o 14 Pirniefield Terrace
Edinburgh, EH6 7PWWeb: www.leith-rules-golf.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Home Address:Leith Rules Golf Societyc/o Leith Franklin AcademicalsCricket PavilionLeith Links, LeithEdinburgh Eh6 7QR
Contact
An Open MindThoughts on the World Hickory Open Championship by New Yorker Tom Gibson
The man said it was bright. Bright with a westerly wind. I said it was cold.The man was Lionel Freedman. Chairman of the World Hickory Open. Editor of World Hickory Golfer. Board member of the So-ciety of Hickory Golfers. OK, the list goes on. He’s a major voice in the hickory game and that’s probably no bad thing. Freed-man’s an optimist and that’s exactly what’s needed in this slightly weird sport.Weird? You don’t get it, Gibson. There’s nothing weird about the guys dressing up in cut-down trousers and waist-coats. And the women wandering about in billowing dresses, flower-pot hats and sporting a shirt and tie. And all of them just about to go out and play golf with wooden clubs. Weird? No way. Just an-other morning in Scotland.This is Freedman’s time. Two days of hickory competition on the banks of the Firth of Forth. That’s what they call this river-mouth in Edinburgh but don’t push me for any further explana-tion. The World Hickory Open Championship. Day One, teams.Day Two, the real thing.Craigielaw. Eighteen holes of Scottish countryside, complete with a clubhouse shaped like a Steading. It’s the Firth of Forth
factor again. Freedman tries to explain what a Steading might be. It’s something to do with being shaped like a row of small cottages. Don’t ask me. Maybe this guy Steading lived in one of them.And suddenly, they’re playing. And, apart from more or less all of them being dressed up like Scott and Zelda, it looks pretty much like golf.I walk the course. In the distance, Gullane Hill. I’ve read about it and its three courses. At the edges of the water, far below Craigielaw, yet another course. Kilspindie. Maybe it’s all these guys ever do in this corner of the world. Play golf. No bad thing, I guess. As I walk, I watch the golf-ers. Some can handle the wooden clubs. Others are rubbish. But it seems to me that they all have something in common. Guess what? They’re all smiling. These guys are all playing in a world golf championship and they’re all actually having fun. Now, when did I last see that?By the close of the day, it’s still bright and the wind is still west-erly but do you know what? I’m feeling warm. And it’s not just the thought of the Championship dinner this evening. I think it’s simply that I suddenly feel good about this hickory game.But it’s not all sweetness and light and, as we stand by the first tee on Day Two, Freedman talks of trouble in the backwoods.
“There were one or two com-plaints.”“About what?”“The flag placing. We’ve made them easier today.”Yesterday, a couple of teams from the British Golf Collectors Soci-ety carried the field. First and second. A different story today, I fear, as no less than eight profes-sionals have joined the starting line. And just pause the video there. Eight pro’s in a Champi-onship with not a cent of prize money in sight? Simply playing for the honour, maybe, of being World Champion. It’s like the gang smiling their way round the course yesterday. It’s the stuff of fairytales. Sweden. France. Czechlosvakia. Germany. They came from all over the Eurozone to get away from the bad news and conjure up some good news for a change. Seems the Aussie who picked up the pot last year wasn’t able to make it but, the way Lloyd Saltman was playing, I think the guy might have had problems anyway. Saltman won the Silver Medal at the 2005 St. Andrews Open. Six years later, he’s walk-ing away with the World Hickory Open silver quaiche.And me? Gibson back here again? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. ‘Slainte.’ It’s how they say ‘Cheers.’
Abridged version, previously published in
www.worldhickorygolfer.com
Events 2012
Edited on behalf of LRGS by W.J. Cairns and designed by K. Goldbach
Annual General Meeting
30January
Be Surprised!
7March
Matches
4-5July
Hickory Open
7July
Foulis Medal
6July
