The SOCIETY Newsletter #87

Society of Golf Historians Proposes New Logo Designs for Old Musselburgh Links

The Society of Golf Historians has formally submitted three potential logo designs to the East Lothian Council for consideration as replacements to the current emblem of Old Musselburgh Links.

The existing logo, while well-intentioned, has often been described as confusing, oversized, and not fully representative of the remarkable history and legacy of one of golf’s most sacred sites. Old Musselburgh Links is no ordinary course—it is a place where champions walked, Open Championships were contested, and where the very soul of the game once resided. A course so ancient that its fairways were alive with golf long before the modern rules of the game were written.

Each of the three proposed designs draws inspiration directly from the heritage of Musselburgh. They aim to be simple, recognizable, and deeply evocative of its role in the story of golf—from its 17th-century origins to its prominence as a Championship venue in the 19th century.

For me, Musselburgh has always held a special place in my heart. These ancient links are a living museum, a hallowed ground where the game was shaped and refined. It deserves a symbol that does more than decorate letterhead—it deserves a crest that reflects the weight of its past, honors the people who built its history, and sparks pride in those who play it today.

The Society hopes that by presenting these new designs, the council and the wider golfing world will recognize the importance of giving Musselburgh an emblem worthy of its historic stature.

Logo #1: THE ANCIENT LINKS OF MUSSELBURGH

The Ancient Links of Musselburgh logo, in my view, is a truly worthy of a links that once hosted the Open Championship six times. Its overall shape takes inspiration from the distinctive outline of the 1874 Open Championship Gold Medal—the very first Open played at Musselburgh. In the years that followed, that medal design evolved into the familiar round gold medal still awarded today, but Musselburgh’s original remains unique in golf history.

I chose to rename the course not as “The Old Course at Musselburgh Links,” but as “The Ancient Links of Musselburgh.” This title feels far more appropriate for a place often claimed as the oldest surviving links in the world—a course that once stood proudly among the great stages of the game. “Ancient Links” captures both the dignity and the timelessness of Musselburgh’s story.

At the heart of the logo sits the Shield of the Town of Musselburgh, a reminder that these cherished links belong to the care of the Honest Toun. Encircling it are two long-nose play clubs crossed with two feathery golf balls—symbols of the great artisans who plied their trade here: Gourlay, McEwan, Carrick, and Park & Sons, names etched forever into golf’s early craft.

Finally, the emblem is crowned with a ring of thistle, each point representing one of the historic clubs that once called Musselburgh home: The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, The Bruntsfield Links Society, The Royal Burgess, and The Royal Musselburgh. Together, these elements create a logo that reflects not only Musselburgh’s past glory, but its enduring place in the heritage of our game.

Logo #2 The Alternative Logo: Mrs Forman’s

This alternative logo is not necessarily meant to be the permanent logo, but rather a distinctive alternative that the links can sell to golfers who want to have a unique logo linked to the history of these ancient links.

The logo draws its inspiration from Mrs. Forman’s Pub, which once stood beside the original third green of Musselburgh Links—what is now the fourth hole. Few landmarks were as central to Musselburgh’s Open Championship years as Mrs. Forman’s. Golfers would simply step up to the window, order a pint, and continue their round.

The pub’s most famous moment in golf history came in 1870, during the epic 144-hole match between Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Sr. On the 137th hole at Musselburgh, after enduring nearly 65 holes of unruly crowd interference—supporters fiercely loyal to their hometown hero, Park—Old Tom finally had enough. When yet another of his shots mysteriously shifted from fairway into rough, he strode straight into Mrs. Forman’s, lit his pipe, and refused to return. The resulting uproar spilled into the courts, and the marathon match was ultimately declared a draw.

At the base of the logo lies the date 1672, the earliest written record of golf being played on the Ancient Links of Musselburgh. It anchors the design in the enduring legacy of one of the oldest courses in the world, reminding us that Musselburgh’s story is inseparable from the story of the game itself.

Logo #3: A Combination of the Two Ideas

Our third logo is combination of the two logo concepts.

An additional and perhaps favorable combination

My final suggestion isn’t so much of a new logo but another combination of the logos above. We keep the shield of Musselburgh and substitute the details with the date “1672.” Personally I think this combination of heritage, symbolism and the date where golf was first recorded on these historic links is a strong combination.

In Summary

It is my sincere hope that the East Lothian Council, and all those entrusted with the care of Musselburgh Links, find value in the logos I have created. They were born out of deep respect and affection for your ancient course—a place that captured me from the very first moment I set foot upon its hallowed ground. Please accept these designs not just as logos, but as a humble tribute to the enduring history and legacy of the Ancient Links of Musselburgh.

The Walker Cup at Cypress Point

This past weekend we celebrated the 2025 playing of the Walker Cup at Cypress Point. Congratulations to the amateur golfers who left it all out there on that beautiful golf course.

Here are a couple of my favorite photos from Cypress Point- my favorite golf course in the world.

If you want to hear more about Cypress Point, our most recent TalkinGolf History Podcast, “MACKENZIE & CYPRESS POINT contains lots of great stories about its creation. You can click the link below to listen for free:

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF GOLF HISTORIANS?

The Society of Golf Historians has formalized and will be working with our members to create something special. Our first annual meeting will be held at Belleair Country Club in Belleair, FL in January and we want you to attend.

Belleair CC is the oldest golf course in the State of Florida and it’s West Course was renovated by Donald Ross with 17 holes looking out over the Gulf of Mexico/America. We hope you will join our organization and/or our event in January.

A special thanks to those of you who joined us as members of the SOCIETY OF GOLF HISTORIANS!!!

If you are interested in joining us please feel free to email me with any questions you might have at [email protected]

Until next time…

Yours in Golf History,

Connor T.