The SOCIETY Newsletter #84

The March Stones of St Andrews: Guardians of the Links

Long before yardage markers and GPS watches, the Old Course at St Andrews was defined not just by its holes, but by its boundaries. These boundaries were marked by a curious set of stones — weathered, unassuming, and yet steeped in history — known as the March Stones.

The origins of the stones stretch back to 1821 century, and they mark the end of one of the most contentious periods of golf played upon this sacred land. For 16 years prior there was a bitter war fought upon this land - a land war with no human casualties…the Rabbit Wars. From roughly 1805 to 1821 the course that we now know as the Old Course was invaded by rabbits. The links were leased to two brothers, George and Cathcart Dempster for the sole purpose of raising and breeding rabbits. Over the course of those contentious 16 years the breeding had run amok and the links where golf was still being played was invaded by these fluffy but destructive mammals. The townspeople were furious that their beloved links was being destroyed - land that was meant for “the people.” The complaints eventually made there was to the courts and the court found in favor of the people of St Andrews- which really meant the court ruled in favor of golf.

In 1821 the land, now known as the Old Course, was sold to James Cheape and as part of that bill of sale, the boundary of the links had to be defined. The end result is what golfers may mistake as a quirky stone sticking out of the ground, or perhaps some think it’s an ancient tomb stone, but these March Stones mark the original boundary of the golf links. One might also say that the March Stones stand as a War Memorial to the Rabbit Wars where the ultimate victor was the golfer.

The “G” side marked where golf held dominion — the sacred ground of the links. This was more than just a practical measure; it was a declaration. The March Stones quietly told every shepherd, walker, and horseman where the game’s heart began and ended.

Over centuries, the stones became silent witnesses to the game’s evolution. They watched as feathery balls gave way to gutta perchas, as Old Tom Morris guided generations across their edges, and as the humble pastime of the 1500s transformed into the global game it is today.

Even now, if you walk the Old Course and beyond, you can still find some of these weather-beaten markers — moss-covered, leaning slightly with age, but still guarding the boundary between history and the present. They are not grand monuments. They don’t ask for your attention. But for those who know their story, the March Stones are reminders that the Old Course isn’t just a golf course — it’s a shared heritage, protected one stone at a time.

THE FIRST EVER SOCIETY GOLF HISTORY TRIP TO SCOTLAND IS IN THE BOOKS!

I wanted to take a moment to thank the seven golfers who joined me on our first ever golf history trip to Scotland. Thank you for joining me on this wonderful trip that was set up by Perry Golf. Thank you playing golf with me, and crisscrossing Scotland in search of great links and even better stories.

An extra thanks to Sean our driver. Sean thanks for taking us off the beaten golf path, the conversations and the good company!

Finally thank you to the people we met along the way - our caddies, the historians, the folks that took the time out of their schedules to meet with us and talk how this great game plays a role in their lives.

Golfers are the best people!

WHAT’S NEXT???

• The SOCIETY is moving forward with some vintage and modern retro golf designs. Please inquire with any interest.

• We have taken on the responsibility of designing a new logo for a historic golf club. Stay tuned.

• We will be releasing our next TalkinGolf History Podcast shortly: The History of Alexander Findlay, Part 2.

• We are planning the TalkinGolf History podcasts on Leith and Bruntsfield Links, Carnoustie, Musselburgh Links and hopefully more.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read our newsletter.