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One
of the most stirring sights in golf is that of the ancient
buildings and spires of the town of St Andrews, standing
guard over the most famous stretch of golf links in the
world--for here lies the cradle of the game--its historical
home--the Mecca to which every golfer aspires to make a
pilgrimage at least once during his life. From the unforgiving
rocky shoreline to the wind-swept fairways to the ancient
Swilcan bridge, St Andrews is an exciting visual experience.
And, the most prominent view of all is that of The Royal
& Ancient Clubhouse as it stands majestically over the vast
expanse of the fairway that is shared by the first and last
holes, embodying the spirit and traditions of this noble
game.
There
is no dispute that golf, or a similar game has been played
for centuries. Some trace its origin back to the game of
paganica during the Roman Empire, while others see it evolving
from the French jeu de mail or the Dutch game of kolven.
Whatever the truth, it was undoubtedly the Scots who pioneered
and developed the game on their seaside links and transported
it with them all over the world. They provided the first
implements for golf and laid down the standards and basic
rules that still, to a large degree, prevail today...
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