Bruntsfield Links

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Bruntsfield Links is 35 acres of park in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh, immediately to the south-west of The Meadows, which it adjoins.

Unlike The Meadows, which is a former loch, Bruntsfield Links was always dry. It is the last vestige of the Burgh Muir, formerly woodland.

The word, "links", comes from the Scots language and is widely associated with land used for the game of golf.

[edit] Golf

Bruntsfield Links may be the earliest golf course in the world, in a city which now boasts more than twenty-one courses. It is unclear when golf was first played in Edinburgh, however, the first edict prohibiting the playing of the game was issued in 1457. Additionally, the Golf Tavern which adjoins the links claims to have been founded in 1456, though there is little evidence for this other than a claim made in A history of the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society. Currently, known as The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.

A plaque erected by the City of Edinburgh suggests that the game of golf may have been invented and first played on Bruntsfield Links.

[edit] See also

• Areas of Edinburgh
• Areas of Edinburgh (category)

[edit] External links

• Scotsman newspaper: historical article on the use of Bruntsfield Links for plague victims