The game of golf is at least 600 years old.  Most people believe the old word 'gowf' was the most common term, pronounced 'gouf'.  There is plenty of evidence that golf was played at St. Andrews in Scotland before the founding of the University there in 1411, and there is sufficient indications to make a safe assumption that it was being played there in one form or another for a century before that.

The first formal golf club, the Company of Gentlemen Golfers (now the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) was established in Edinburgh, in 1744 at Leith Links. They oversaw the introduction of the first set of rules!

Whilst visiting Edinburgh, why not take advantage and play  in the "Real" home of golf.

You don't even have to bring your own " favourite" clubs with you as you can hire Callaway clubs from 15 pounds a round and "Whack away " with green fees from as little as  7 pounds.

Let us recommend you a few courses:

Golf in Edinburgh:

Public courses These easy to reach golf courses are owned by the City of Edinburgh. They include Braid Hills, Craigentinny, Carrick Knowe, Portobello and Silverknowes.  Green Fees from #9.5 pounds.  Price List

Kings Acre The par 70, 18-hole course makes fantastic use of the natural contours of the land; strategically places water hazards and over 50 bunkers.
The naturally sandy based soil ensures excellent playability all year round. A hidden gem, located only six miles from the city centre and 15 minutes by car from AmarAgua.  Green Fees from 24  pounds.
 

Golf  near Edinburgh:

St Andrews   Many links to choose from just over an hour  away in Fife, the Home of golf, where the game evolved and where the spirit and traditions of golf
have been safeguarded for over six centuries. Green Fees from 7  pounds.

Craigielaw Golf Club    Inspired by the great links courses of Britain, particularly those on land which are less dominated by dunes, Craigielaw is equal to many of the finest examples of such courses which are conveniently located nearby in the East Lothian area 20 miles from Edinburgh.   Green Fees from 48  pounds.

North Berwick Golf Course    Traditional, duney course starting in the town centre and stretching west along the shores of the Firth of Forth on the East coast.. You will be as impressed with stunning views over sandy beaches, rocky islands and the hills of Fife to the north, as you will with a course which features the best of traditional golf design.   Green Fees from 60  pounds.