Golf in St Andrews, the critical years, c. 1880-1914

As a consequence of its historic role in the world of golf St Andrews had been the object of close scrutiny from historians and golf writers alike. Both have largely centred their attention on the history of golf clubs -such as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews [later referred to as R&A]- or on great characters, like Thomas Morris, a true giant of the game. However, less sparkling ingredients -for example the activities of locals, or visitors, often not affiliated to any particular golf club, have been a kind of historiographic poor relation. This article is not focused on material or biographical aspects, but instead on social and structural features. If historians have argued whether golf had evolved on a more unrestrained basis in Scotland than in England, they usually agree in considering St Andrews a kind of unrestricted golfing republic. The chosen years were critical because the place called The Links, where golf at St Andrews had always been played, became a hotly disputed property, coveted by the R&A and the Town Council. In the end they managed to consolidate peace agreements, which, with subsequent adjustments, have defined what golf in St Andrews is today.