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[From the " Newcastle Daily Journal," Sept. land 17,1SSS.]

To the many readera of the Journal who are devotees of the fascinating game of golf I have thought that perhaps it might not be uninteresting if, through the medium of your columns, I gave them a short account of some oF t'ie Sootoh golfing linka visited recently by four members of the Tyneside Olub, beginning at Dunbar, on the Haddington coast. Arriving at Dunbar by the 2 50 train from Newcastle on the afternoon of Saturday, 23rd June, we engaged the station 'bus to convey us to tho Links, about three-quarters of a mile distant] where, having selected whom we thought the moit iutelligent-lookins " cadies" from amongst tho throng of boyB in waiting, we commenced ttie round of 16" holes. The situation of the golfing course is very fine, charming views of tke Baas Eock, May Island, and long Btretohes of the Haddington const forming a delightful panorama. The grass throughout the course u rather longer than is desirable for the gamp, but the " putting greens " were all th.it ooultl bo desired. The Dunbur golf course lies out near Broxmouth PdrW, tha peat of the Duchess of Roxburghe, and, without entering into details of the hazards, &o , at each hole, I may mention the fine approach to the third hole across tlie burn; driving to the fourth hole one requires to keep an undtviating course, as the links here come to a very narrow compass, a "heeled ball" going over the park wall, while a "toed ilrive" lands the player on to the rocks and into tho sei should the tide be up. There are plenty of fairly rood hazards throughout, such as the good stiff atone walla which faoe one approaching the fifth green, or in driving to No. 11. On arriving on the links we found that an open prize competition was just being concluded, aud amongst the successful competitors we had the pleasure of congratulating Hr Oliver Thomson of Edinburgh (brother of Me E. T. Thomson of AInmouth), who had gained third honours with 90 gross for the 18 holes. The prizss, to the value of about £25, were distributed by the Duchess of Roxburghe in the part, where luncheon and refreshments were supplied in a most luxuriously fitted-up cart Bhed ! The captain of the Dunbar club is Mr "YY. B. Glen, S.S.O., of Edinburgh, who is also a member of the AInmouth club. The grass on the links at Dunbar fines down considerably towards the autumn, by whioli time I should fancy tho Bourse would be in capital order. The lowest record is held by Mr J. E. Laidley, viz,, 78. Taking the train in the evening for North Berwick, we found comfortable quarters at the Eoyal Hotel, adjoining the station and close to tho links. On Sunday, the 24th .Tune, in company with Mr Bartholo- mew of Edinburgh, whose acquaintance we had formed at the "Koyal," we had a delightful walking excursion round the coast as far as Canty Bay. The tenant of the small hotel here is the custodian of the famous Buss Rock, the favourito resort of tho f»annet or solon goose, the puffin, and numerous oiher sea birds, The Bass is 313 feet above the sea level, and is quite an ornament to the Forth, as well as a place of considerable historical interest, inasmuch as both Charles II. and James VII. used it as a place of imprisonment for the Covenanters. Round the point from Oanty Bay we come upon Tantallon Castle, famous in history as having been the principal castle of the Douglas family. Tantallon was destroyed by the Oromwelliaus under General Honk, its owner, the Marquis of Douglas, being a favourer of the Royal cause. The ruined castle is now owned by Sir Hew Dalrymple, Bart., of Leuchie. Sir "Walter Scott has further immortalised Tantallon in his poem of Marmion. Any mention of North Berwick would bo incompleto without noticing the cuiioui conical hill called North Berwick Law, 012 feet high, which is quite a landmark for many miles round ; thfl hill literally swarms with rabbits nnd hares. On Monday, 25th June, wo were np betimes, tbe Doctor rousing us and prescribing a hot salt-water b.ith (the wind being easterly, going into tb.9 sea was out of the qms' tion). We walked along to the Marine Hotel, which part of the programme (viz., the baths) having been gone through, we returned with a good appetite for breakfast, and eager for tha fray on tho links. Having interviewed Tom Dunn, and . obtained from him the requisite pass for the private part of the Links, and four " caddies," wo resolved ourselves into singles for the morning. Tbe afternoon was devoted to a foursome matcb, which was well contested, tho finish of which, however, was most amusing, and, at the same time, rather alarming, for tue Doctor, on driving from "Point Garry" to the home hole, to use a crloketing term, drove bi-j ball from tho tee very hard to the "off," (he result of which was that it crashed through the dining room window of a house adjoining, and landed on tho table where a family were sitting at luncK We were slad to learn, however, on making inquiries, that no one had been hurt, and the Doctor got off by piying the damage, nftor many profuse apologies. North Eersviek is a deservedly popular seaside rosorb of the inhabitants of Edinburgh, more especially those addicted to wielding the hicoory. Tlis jrolfing course embraces all kinds of r!iffi- oulties and hazards, and may justly ho described as a thoroughly sporting green, every club requiring skilful and careful handling if the plnyer wished to avoid the yawning bunkers whioh await either a topped ball or a ball drivou off the line. Many of tho holes ate rithor short, which necessitates the use off the tee of a cleek or an iron in preference to the driver. Point Garry, on the Kiimrtiit: of which are two putting ereens serving for the first hole going out and tho 17th hole coming in, is perhaps th'i most difficult part of the 3OUTIE to negotiate, Any partial lo'criptim, of the links would b: incomplete without reference to the chaiming scenery on all sides; the distant coast of Fife, the Craix, the Lamb, the massive Bass, with its myriads of seafowl, &c, &c, form a delightfnl picture, the contempklion of which causes much oonsolation, when, for instance, you may be one or two holes down, and, again, much exhilaration when you are one or two holes up, and perhaps your opponent in an adjoining banker with his drive. After two solid days' golf at North Berwick, it was once more time to be on the more; so, having dined at the " Royal," we paoked up, and a pair-horsed waggonette b^ing ready for us, we started (Tuesday, 2Gsh June) for Gnllane, distant about five or six miles, the road taking us Ihroagh beautiful country, notably Direlton village, a de- lightfully old-fashioned and picturesque spot, with its old, ivy-clad castle. Continuing through the fertile valley of East Lothian, and pasBiug Archerfield, the residence of Lady Hamilton, we arrived at Quilane, and put up at the Golf Hotel (Smith's). There being still a couple ot hourB1 daylight left, we sauntered out on to the linkB, the sight of which was too much for the restless spirits of two members of our party, who must forthwith have their olubs out and play a few holes. Having walked a short way round with them and noticed the hundreds of rabbits disporting themselves, K. and my- self turned back to the hotel, where we were joined shortly after by N. and the Doctor, who had been obliged to abandon their game owing to the "shades of evening" dosing in upon them, 'Wednesday, 27th Juno.—We had a fine day over Oullane Links, whioh constitute one of the finest golf courses in Scotland. The up and down character of the ground is veiy attractive to the player, who is rewarded at the top of one of the hills by a magnificent view. Portions of 14 different counties of Scot- land (it is said) can, on a clear day, be seen from its summit. The links extend along the shores of the Firth of Forth for many miles. Nothing can excel the putting greenp, which are of great size and literally as true as billiard tables. The lowest scratch score in a club competition is 74, by Mr F. D. Valentine Hsgart in 1880. As we had arranged to play the following day, viz., j Thursday, 28tli June, at Luffness, we drove Brer from / Gullane (somo three or four miles), raising a good (upply of lunch with us, and where, having resolved ourselves into two single matches for the morning as usual, we played two rounds, returning to the club house just in time to escape the rain which had now begun in a must business- like style, precluding all further attempts at play.. Having spun out our lunoh as long as possible, there was nothing else to be done but to wait the anival of the WBggonette from Oullane. Luffness Licks are situated in close proximity to the village of Aberlady. There is a good club house at the starting point built in rather a fancy style, being stuck over with large sliel's gathered from the beach. The course is a long one, about thfl same as Gullane,—viz., four milps—and is decidedly difficult. Being thickly interspersed with bunkers and ditobes, nearly all the putting greens (which are in excellent crder) have to be approached across a hnznd of some description, which affords plenty of scope for good iron play. Getting back to our quarters at Gullane, we changed our clothes and dined, and drove off foe Drtra Junction, en route tor Ediogburgh. Here we were sorrv to have to part with our friend the doctor, who was obliged to return to his professional duties. Our pirty, therefore reduced to three, arrived in Edinburgh, where wo put up at the "Waterloo Hotel, Waterloo Place. Friday, 29th Juno, so took the train from the Haymarket Station to Musselburgh. This is one ot the classic golf grounds of Scotland, tho name of which is full of interest to a golfer, for there is soarcely any great content in the shape o£ professional matches which does not include Musselburgh as one of the battle grounds. Arrived at Musaelburgh » Station we were at once attacked by a score or two of "caddies"; the numbers existing by thia"kind of employ- ment being legion, we thereforo deemed it prudent to take a cab to eboape from the nuisance of having them fighting for the possession of our oluba, Even thia move, however, was not quite ifftctual, for they pursued tlio cab, as far as Willie Park, jun.'is, shop, into which w9 had bolted in order to escape from their importunities. Here we were glad to find the champion looking well and doing a large business. Buying a club or two as a memento or our visit, we made our way out on to the Links. Willie Paik, Ben. (the hero of many a well-fought contest, and a player who en four different occasions carried off the championship belt), carrying for N. The Links at Musselburgh are smaller thin the generality of the Scotch golf grounds, there bting only nine boles. Tlio arrangement of the course embraces, however, excellent hazard;, and although we had heard that the Links were very much worn out, we were agreeably surprised to find them much better than we had expected; indeed we fouad the greenB very true, and our putting here was exception- ally good. Wo noticed another leviathan of the game, viz , Bob Ferguson, who was on the Links attending to his duties as custodian. There aie some fine club houses facing tiio Link?, viz., those of the Honour- able Oocnx'any cf Kdinburnh Golfers, The BurRCS", &c, &c. The names of some of the bunkers seemed quite familiar to us; Lord Sband's and Pandemonium we inquired for uigerly, but I am glad to s»y our acquaintance with them was a "passing one." On tbe Links, and in passing through ilia town, we came across several of the Loretto School boys, distinguishable by their scarlet jackets and their absence of any kind of keadgtar. The writer, who was at nn Edin- burgh school (Merchitton), well remembers what tough opponents Loretto were always found to be in either tbe cricket or football field. Returning to Edinburgh, ind divesting cmselvts of our golfing attire, wo made our way to the (Jon- eervntivo Club in Piincea Street, where we had an en- gagement to dine witb a party of golfing friends. Our host, Mr W. B. Glen, S.S.O., was ready to meet us, and showed us over the magnificent building, tbe cost of which (in- cluding the dte) was something like £75,000. The number of members is about 2,000. Tbe view from the windows is charming, the npper ones commanding the entire length of Piioces Street, with Sir .Walter Scott's monument, and facing into the gardens and on to the grand old Castle. The lighting up ot the myriads of windowa in tho houBPH of the old town ut dusk gives also a very pleasing effect. Muoh golfing talk was indulged in during the evening in the smoke room, and~ WN returned to our hotel, having made our arrangements for being at Sr. Andrews on tho following day—viz., Saturday, SOth June. Leaving Edinburgh then for Granton, about 10 A.M., WO crossed the Forth in the \Vm, Muir s. Tho day beini? olenr and fine we got a good view of that stupendbua undertakine, the Forth Bridge, wilh which rapid progress 13 being made. Taking the train again at Burntisland, we proceeded by Kirkcaldy (the laug toon 0' Fife) and Leuchars to St, Andrews, where we arrived about mid-day. Golf being the national game of Scotland, St. Andrews 18 looked upon as the Mecca of all golfers. The royal and ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews was formed in 1754 It expends » considerable sum of money yearly for the proper rmiu tenance of the Links, and the rules of the club are recognised as the standard law of golfincby all playm. In 1853, alarge club- house was erocted by the members at the cast end of tho Liaks, an extensive addition being curried out in 1881. It contains meeting, dressing. billiarJ, leading-room, &c. Imn.cdiately in flout of the club-house is a flagstaff, ab the base of which is a platform with two guns, the smallest one beiug used for firing the signals to commence and ceaie play on competition days. The number of members of the Koyal and Ancient ia something like 900, Thfl round of the golfing course, nccordine to the official measurormni, is 3 milts 1,104 ym-ls as the crow flies. Thu soil, of course, is of a sandy nature, and the email hilia interspersed throughout the entire length of the course render it difficult, especially to ons not knowing the line well, as the buakers are, BO to vpeak, blind one*, being in a ereat 'measure concealed by the nature of the ground. The buhkera are all named, many of them being familiar to us from reading the ac- 8

counts o£ the St. Andrews Links. We found our acquaintanceship waj on mnch more familiar tcvzna before we left. "Walkenshaw's Bunker," "The CatVtrnp,' "Hell!" "The Priuoipal'a Nose," "Deacon Sime,""Tlm Bearders," "Nick's Bunker," &c, &c, giva pleniy of scope for "niblick" play, The face of these bunkers is built up with fods in a most scientific manner. Having, however, steered a ffnod course the plaj'er ia rewarded by entering upon the Elysian Fields; or returning home he arrives at the ''ginger-beer hole," where his drooping epiiits can 06 revived by a draught of that well- known beverage, which is regularly dispensed there by an old man who has done a considerable business in the "pop" line for many years; hence the derivation' of the name of this hole. Notwithstanding tlie enormous amount of piny whioh goes on all the year round at St. Andrews, it is sur- prising in what good order the Links are kept by the old veteian, Tom Morris, who has been custodian and professional to the royal and ancient club for the last 30 years. In the club-house are fine portraits of two former oaptaiua of the club, facing f»cli other ii the main room, the one of the late Sir Hugh Playfair, and tlie other from the bruBh of Sir Francis Grant, P R.A., of the late Mr Whyte-Melville. Another interesting feature of tbe club-house is a collection in a glass-case of a variety of old golf clubs dating back to the eailiest period of the name, some of the old iron clubs resembling accitnt battle-axes rather than golf clubs. Our stay at St. Andrews was somewhat marred by a couple of wet days, which precluded all hope of golf. It had, however, this advantage, that it enabled us to see thoroughly all the many places of interest. The old, ruined castle, which was founded by Bishop Rodger ia 1200, is full of interest from the many events in Scottish history with which it is associated. It has been taken and retnkeu by both English and Scotch, and demolished and rebuilt more than once. The Duke of E,othesay, eldest son of Robert III., was confioed in the castle previous to his being takon to Falkland, when he was starved to death in 1401. Car- dinal Beaton was murdered here in 154G; and in 1040 it 9 was the prison of Colonel N. Gordon, Sir Robert Spotis- wood, Captain Guthrie, Win. Murray, and Colonel Ogilvie, who were taken prisoners at the battle of Philiphaugh by the Marquess of Montrose. The ruinB of the old cathedral are also very interesting, founded by Bishop Arnold in 1159; its ereotion extended over a period of about 160 years. In May, 1559, a celebrated sermon against idolatry, preaohed by John Knox, so exasperated the multitude against Roitiish institutions that in one day they demolished t'lia splendid edifice and all the other monastic buildings in the city. The length of the cathedral inside the wall Is 356 feet. In the Regulus Tower (which U part of the cathedral ruins) is the buiiiil place of the late Dr Robert Chamber's [Chamber's Journal), who, after many years of hard work as a distinguished author and publisher, retired to St. Andrews, hoping that by the healthful exercise of golfing (which be was very fontl of) he would re-establish hia health. On looking round the cathedral burial-grounc, besides the family vaults of the Playfairs, Whyte-Melvilles, and Principal Tullooh, we came across the burial place of young Tom Moriis, which consists of a finely-chiselled figure in white marble (bas-relief) of the champion in the ace of addressing the ball with a " cloeK " in hiR bands. The following 13 the inscription:—" In memory of 'Tommy,' son of Thomas Morii?, who died 25th Deor., 1875, aged 24 years. Deeply regretted by numerous friends and all golfers; he thrice, in succession, won the champion's belt and held it without livalry and yet without envy, his many amiable qualities using UO Ies3 acknowledged than his golfing achievements. 1'his monument has been erected by contributions from sixty golfing societies." la the United Colleges there are many objects of interest, especially in the Divinty Hall, whbli contains manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit, a book of 1'rayer 40Q years old, amanusoripfc Bible of the St. Augustan period, un original portrait of Jno. Knox, and one of Lord Melville by Sir David "Wilkie. The oollego library ia the room in which the old Scottish Parliament was held, and contains a very valuable collection of books. Thursday, 5th July, wo took the train trom St, Andrews 10 to Carnoustie, crossing! the Tay to Dundee by the new Tay Bridga. Garnoustie is a fine gretn indeed, and for a thorough display of the gime in all departments ia all tli:it could be dei-i'ed. The course is eitu-itfd clo^e to tlie seaside, and tr> the north the high lying ground, on which numerous fine VILLAS staid, forms a background to a pleasant and picturesque pare of the country. There are 18 holes an the rouud, the shortest being 210 yards and the longest 390 yards. The turf is excellent, and the hazards, in tbe shape of l bu'.kiirs and burns, are numerous and foimidab e. With regard to trie burns which the player crosses by small wood bridges after bo hue driven off, it is an BIBusing sLljt to see tile boys aimed with a net ou thy ei.d of Hlong pole with which thty ate ever ready to fish out the ball of tbo luckless individual who may have been unable to make it carry the tinam. The biOihera Simpson are the profes- sionals to the Dalhovuie Club at Curnoustie. Jack Simpson won the championship in 1SS4, at Prestwick, with the fine score of 100 for two rounds. "We found the golf b ills nrnlu by Simpion excellent, and can. fully recommend them aa bring about the beso gutta bulls we had seen, bo'h for flj ing and keeping their sbaps. We lunched at Uruce'a Hotel i.i the main street, and think the golfing visiter tu Carnoustiu. could not dobetter tbun stay tlitre. Returning to St. Andrews the sume night, on Friday, Gth July, we set off for Leven (Campbell's Caledonian Hotel), arriving there in time to get a round of the links before lunch. The Leven course consists of the mystic IS hole?, and extends east of the town of Leven, and along the shore of L^r^o Bay. Largo Eay IE referred to in the old sung of the "Boatie Row ":— " I cu.it my lines In Largo Bay, and Hslios I caught nine, Three to boil, and three to fry, and threo to bait ray line." There ate plenty of hazard* on the course, consisting of burns, dykes, roiulp, and the railway. "Kcooniu's burn" luriiia a dangerous approach to the last bole in, and I can quite fancy fcimt many a match and mtiny a road scorn hits beeu wrecked by not negotiating "Scoonie" properly. ". Scoonie," however, is only one of four streams which the 11

player has to cross in the circuit of these links; another one, bearing tbo title of "Piggy's Burn." A bunker named " The Major " has a very formidable and wailike appear- anoe. The Innerleven Golf Club, established in 1820, has a roll of members of about 150, their professional being one of the brothers Patriok. The Levcu ThistJe Golf Oiub is a very strong e!nb, and, as far us play is concerned, being, I believe, second only to St. Andrews Thistle. Two players of the Leven Thistle Club —namely, James Kerr and Archibald Smith—have only the left arm. They play with the nsual right-handed clubs, and swing the club acroaa from light to left in the ordinary way. Thej both lake part in the club matches and play a airong game, ihuir diiving btiug no Ien extraordinary tl an Ihvir iron play. In course of conversation with the elder Patrick, who is professional to the Royal AVimbledon Club, and who was on. a visit to Lia fiiends at Leven, I beord of thu nuw design for driving-club btads, which is called "theEulger,' and is roundediiiacfe niucn tiro Snit'ie as cue oifdic Ai a1 brnsspy, the idea being that the effect of a toed or heeled ball is thus counteracted in a great measure. It yet remains to bo seen whether the golfing fraternity will take kindly to nn innovation in the make ot clubs such as "the Bulger." Loven is veiy prettily situated on the Forth, almoEt imme- 12 comfortable quarters at Fleming's Private Hotel, South Beach. Having been made members of the club pro tem., we were glad again to meet Dr Highet, the hon. secretary of the Troon Club, whose kindneBS during our stay there added very conndprnbly to our enjoyment. The Golf Links at Troon extend eouthward from the town, and the outmost hole is only a short distance from the end hole of the Prest- wick Club. The ground, although rather rough in places, will improve yearly with the play that goes on. The putting greens have been laid out it great expense, and nothing can excel the order and good oondition in which they are kept. A great advantage of the Tronn oourse is that one never crosses the line of players going In the opposite direc- tion, the cine holes out and the nine holes in being quite at different parts of the Links. Tbe ninth and tenth holes • HI ,• i i. .•:••. i, .li. ill are what may he termed "cautions," as one's drive baa to carry a bunker big enough to bury several houses in. There is a capital and well-appointed club- house, which has box accommodation for over three hundred members; thete is also dining room, com- Bii'itoe room, ibath rooms, and complete lavatories. Tne resident professional at Troon is Willie Fernit1, who is, perhaps, as fine a player as one could wish to see. Golfers in the Tyneside district will remember the fine match between Willie Park, jun., and Willie Fernie at Alnmoutli, some three years ago, when the two tied for first honours, and ON ulayine; off the tie Fernie succeeded in healing I.in opponent. Amongst the caddies at Troon there is qaito a character in "Tam ilcGee," whose grnat form of dissipation is I113 consumption of ice-creams, and in the purchase of which delicacy much of his available capital is spent. "Tam" takes a keen interest in the game as far as regards tho player for whom he m^y bo carryiog, and ho has been known to quietly express his opinion (more, however, in sorrow thin in ancnr) on particular pointi of tbe game which may bo proceeding not quite &o satisfy Dtorily as he could wish. A feature of the Links at Troon is the Ladies' Golf coursr, which is much patronised by the fair sex, many of whom are excellent.players. Miss Bishop has tbe best record, viz., 13

69, and i«, of course, the scratch p'&yer io the Ladies' Club. Dr Highet is a host ia himself as far as the management oj the club is concerned, and he has spent much time, and taken an immense amount of trouble, in promoting its suc- cess. I would recommend all golfers to read a smart article in Blaclaoood's Magazine for May, from the pen of Dr Highet, and entitled "ThePsychology of Golf." Presiwick Links, which join on to Troon, we played over while Btaying at the latter place. Prestwick holds the same position in the west of Scotland thai St. Andrews does on tlte east. The links are situated on the east shore of the Firth of Clyde, and command the same charming views as one sees at Troon. The ground abounds in every conceiv- able hazard for golfing enthusiasts. "The Lion's Den " "The Cardinal," "The Himalayas," are the names of some of the more formidable bunkrrsj while whins, bents, and running streams contribute their quota to the difficulties of the course. The Prestwick Links nro private, and none but members, or gentlemen who have been introduced by members, ate allowed to play. This is a great advantage in these times, when the Ranie is becoming so popular tbat ?olf grounds, such as Prestwick, which is within easy distance of Glasgow, would be very much crowded during the summer months. I may say, however, that Mr Harry Hart, the hon. secretary and treasurer of the olub (to whom in a great measure is due the present prosperity and sucoess of the Prestwick Olub), wns most obliging in extending to us the requisite per- mission to play over this oelebratod course. The custodian of the Links and the resident professional is the well-known and highly respected Charlie Hunter, who has, of course, Beveral assistants, amongst whom we noticed Willie Campbell, one of the finebt Dlayers of the present day. There is a fine club-house at Piestwick, with every convenience which a club of its strength and import- ance might be expeoted to have. Having (Wednesday, 11th July) arrived at the day fixed for our journey homewards, we took the train in the evening for Glasgow, arriving at St. Enoch Station at 8'30; crossing over to Queen Street Stalion, 14 we got the south express via Edinburgh and Berwick, at fl, arriving in Newcastle at l'lO A.M. Thus ended one of the most charming tours which any golfer could possibly make, and one which I oan reoomir.end aa being thoroughly enjoyable, as well as interesting. I have only to say that we found everyone connected with the various clubs which We had vi,ited extremely kind and obliging, the members and officials doing ali they could to assist UB.