Geddy's town plan of St Andrews
The links at the western end of St Andrews are clearly shown on John Geddy's view of the town. In 1552, Bishop Hamilton's charter reserved the links there to the townspeople for 'golf, shuting and all games'.
Links factor in golf's popularity
The proximity of the links to centres of population was an important factor in the growing popularity of golf. Despite this, golf also continued to be played in restricted public spaces for years to come.
These long, narrow coastal strips are of great importance for the shape of golf courses and the language of the game. Players naturally played 'out' of the town and then turned 'in' for home
J Geddy's plan of St Andrews, from around 1580.
[National Library of Scotland reference: MS.20996]