Alexander H. Findlay, a Scottish immigrant to the United States in early 1887, became the first man on record - April 4, 1887 - to construct a golf course and play a round of golf, with his partner Edward Millar, over the six-hole layout. This first authenticated golf course was located on the Merchiston Ranch in Nance County, Nebraska, some 130 miles west of Omaha. This is the official site on the history of Alexander H. Findlay. Here you will find articles related to his advancing golf in America.
Plans are presently under way to strike out next summer to hit the mid-west and play some of the great golf courses in Michigan, Wisconsin even down to Nebraska. Reservations have been made to stay at the American Club and play the four courses at Whistling Straights and Blackwolf run. As we finalize the details we will post the dates and locations. Hopefully, if your in the area we would love to stop by and meet you.
Starting July 16 thru July 29 I will be traveling north to visit as many of Alexander H. Findlay's golf courses as possible. I hope to play a number of them and to photograph the unique inuendos of each course. I will endeavor to keep you posted on a day to day basis. I would also appreciate any input you may have or any direction you would like me to pursue.
When Alexander H. Findlay arrived in the United States in 1887 he immediately traveled to Nebraska with his golf clubs. Upon arriving at his destination a little west of Omaha he settled down in his new line of work, cowboy! It was a most amazing transition from world class golfer to 2nd hand hired hand cowboy. It's not that Alex did not take to riding a horse; he didn't totally understand anything about horses, cows or ranches. But a new start is a new start. It wasn't long before the urgings for a round of golf enveloped him. He heard there was a course in Denver, off he went in search of that course only to find out it was polo they were playing. He did this throughout the west and in the end he would start a new career, designing and building of golf courses.
Willie Anderson's golf ball lay between Findlay's ball and the hole. Findlay was stymied, which meant in those days before balls were marked to give opponents a clear line to the cup while putting, he had to play around Anderson's ball. What did Findlay do? Read the entire article and be amazed.
We hear of many places claiming priority in the game of Golf. The first recognized Golf Club was at St. Andrews-on-the-Hudson, New York, fathered by Robert Lockhart and John Reid, two sturdy Scots late in the year 1888. Mr. Reid was a staunch friend of mine; he has passed on to the Elysian Heights. Many times and oft we have discussed the theme of Golf; he was proud to know of my game in Nebraska very early in the spring of 1887. To know him was to love him; he has left two worthy sons in John and Archie to carry on the good work. May the green sod rest lightly over his brow, as lightly, at least, as he dealt with it. He was a man.
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