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Our History

Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club – A Legacy Since 1886

For over 140 years, Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club has been a part of Scottish golfing heritage. From its humble beginnings in 1886, through the golden age of golf, to modern times, our club has remained a symbol of tradition, camaraderie, and competition.

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Kinghorn Thistle Golf Course Badge
Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club

A Legacy Forged in Time

Since 1886, Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club has stood the test of time, shaping the way generations of golfers experience the game. From its origins on rugged coastal fairways designed by Tom Morris to hosting legendary players in the 1921 Open, every blade of grass on this course tells a story. Scroll down to explore our journey through the years.

0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} where it all started 1812 Golf is documented as being played on Kinghorn Links, referenced in The Hutton Letter. 2021 1886 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} The Birth of Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club 1886 Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club is founded as a non-course-owning club, playing over Kinghorn Golf Course. 1812 1887 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} The Tom Morris Touch 1887 Tom Morris designs the original 9-hole course. 1886 1890 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} The Bridge That Changed Everything 1890 The Forth Railway Bridge opens, increasing membership from Edinburgh and the Lothians. 1887 1905 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} The Course Expands to 18 Holes 1905 The course is expanded to 18 holes with additional land acquired by the Town Council and designed by Willie Fernie of Troon. 1890 1914 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} The First Major Victory 1905-06 Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club wins the Nairn Trophy (Foursomes). 1906 1914 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} Golf Interrupted by War 1914-1918 During World War I, parts of the course are used by the military, and some holes are played twice due to land restrictions. 1905 1921 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} Hosting Legends of the Game 1921 Kinghorn Thistle hosts a prestigious Open Competition, featuring Ted Ray, Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, and George Duncan. 1914 1930 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} Resilience Through Tough Times 1920s-1930s Despite economic struggles, Kinghorn Thistle rebuilds and thrives, attracting a strong local and Edinburgh-based membership. 1921 1939 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} War Returns, Golf Adapts 1939-1945 World War II forces parts of the course to be repurposed for military use and food production, limiting play. 1930 2010 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} A New Home for Golfers 2010 The Kinghorn Golf Club clubhouse is built, replacing the old pavilion used by Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club. 1934 2026 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} 2026 – Celebrating 140 Years of Golfing Excellence 2026 Approaching 140 years, Kinghorn Thistle remains a proud, independent club, continuing its historic golfing legacy. 2010 1812 Vintage Letter Vintage Golf Kinghorn Thistle 4th bridge Willie - Golf Vintage Photo - Golf Trophy Win World War Image Vintage Golf Members book Working the Golf Courses Club House King Horn Thistle - 140 Years Kinghorn Thistle Golf Course Badge
Kinghorn Thistle Golf Course Badge
Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club

A Legacy of Champions

For over a century, Kinghorn Thistle Golf Club has been home to remarkable golfers, prestigious tournaments, and a rich legacy of competition. From historic victories to hosting some of golf’s greatest names, our club’s story is one of excellence and tradition.

Historic Club Achievements
  • 1905-06 Nairn Trophy Victory – A milestone in the club’s competitive history.
  • Fife Team Championship Wins – Proving our dominance in regional competition.
  • Ongoing Local & National Recognition – Competing at the highest levels of club golf.
Famous Players Who Have Competed Here
  • Ted Ray – 1912 Open Champion, one of Britain’s greatest golfers.
  • Gene Sarazen – A pioneer of the modern game and winner of all four Majors.
  • Walter Hagen – A 11-time Major winner and golfing icon.

”“I grew up hearing stories about my grandfather playing here in the 1950s. Now, I walk these same fairways with my own children. Kinghorn Thistle is more than a club—it’s a family.”

Long timeThistle member’