The Magdalen Green in 1906, being used for all sorts of recreation including golf

Dundee, Magdalen Fields

Most people who use this piece of ground for their recreation today have little or no idea it was once part of Dundee's historical golfing past.

Magdalen Fields Golf Course

Dundee Evening Post June 16^th,1903

I am afraid the promoters of the movement for a golf course on the extended esplanade at Dundee are gentlemen who would rather have a skelp at anything than no skelp at all. The ground in question is the very antithesis of what golfing ground should be, and the small amount of money to be spent on it will still leave it far short of minimum requirements. However, it is something gained that permission to practice golf has been officially granted. Time was when golf was played over the Magdalen green itself, and even now the authorities might be complaisant enough to allow play up to ten o’clock in the morning on that fine old bit of turf.

Note : Early Parish records show golf being played on Madalen Fields from the 1760s.

Magdalen Fields Today with the Old Bandstand

Harry Ward is a respected golf historian known for his detailed research into the origins and development of the game, particularly in Scotland. His work explores the early courses, players, and traditions that shaped modern golf, bringing to life the stories behind iconic venues and figures. Through careful study and a passion for the sport’s heritage, he helps preserve golf’s rich history for future generations.

All of this work is independently funded out of his own pocket. If you value preserving golf’s history and would like to support his ongoing research, any contribution—no matter how small—would be greatly appreciated.

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