As the name suggests, Golfdrum Street and the surrounding area can trace its connections to the ancient sport, over four centuries ago. These streets are thought to be where James VI (1566-1625) played golf for relaxation when in Dunfermline, shortly after he had gifted the town and Abbey to his new wife Queen Anne of Denmark.
Scotland and St Andrews, specifically, is credited with creating the modern game of golf. Dunfermline lays claim to introducing the game to America’s East Coast, thanks to two local businessmen, Robert Lockhart and John Reid.
Lockhart had established Dunfermline Golf Club in 1887 and in 1888 Reid joined Lockhart in emigrating to America. After playing some holes of golf in a field in upstate New York, they founded the ‘St Andrews Golf Club’.
The Club is still in existence today and is credited as one of the oldest continuous golf clubs in America. And yes, you’ve guessed it, it boasted Andrew Carnegie as a member!
The US PGA was established in New York in 1894 and the rest, as they say, is history!
Dunfermline has three golf courses – Pitreavie, Canmore and Dunfermline – and they’re always keen to share their ‘challenges’ with visiting golfers.
Weblinks:
Pitreavie Golf Club
Dunfermline Golf Club
Canmore Golf Club