Golf is as integral a part of Scotland today as it was as far back as the 15th century when, the game of ‘gowf’, as it was known in those days, was banned by Parliament under King James II as a distraction from military training. Fortunately the ban was lifted when the Treaty of Glasgow came into effect in 1502 and the game has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Scotland is the birthplace of the modern game and Loretto School in Edinburgh, perhaps because of its superb location next to the world's oldest playing course, has a strong tradition of top level golf, dating back to its founding in 1827. The surrounding area of East Lothian offers a choice of magnificent links courses.
Loretto School certainly has a long and distinguished history in UK educational excellence. Founded in 1827, Loretto is Scotland’s extant boarding school. This coeducational boarding and day school occupies 85 acres to the east of Scotland’s capital city and is a gateway to some of the world’s finest links courses. Perhaps appropriately, Loretto is situated next to the world’s oldest course, Musselburgh Links, with records showing golf being played as early as 1672.
Over the years former pupils of Loretto have captained many of the best known clubs throughout Scotland and the UK. No fewer than seven former pupils have captained The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, whilst 11have been captain of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the world’s oldest golf club and at least 10 have been Captains at Prestwick.
