The History of Alexander H. Findlay
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.
A little history concerning this site and who is preparing the information. It is a joint effort of both myself Richard B. Findlay and my recently deceased older brother Ronald A. Findlay, grandsons of Alexander H. Findlay by his 3rd son Norman E.J. Findlay, Sr. Growing up in Philadelphia, PA we had a house full of one of the most extensive private golf collections of antiquity in existence. We knew that our grandfather was famous for golf but not actually sure of his legacy. You see he died before I was born and when Ron was only 7 years of age. Our father would tell us of his father’s accomplishments in early American golf. He would even indicate that Alex was "The Father of American Golf".
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Who really is the Father of American Golf?
Is it David Deas, C.B. MacDonald, John Reid, Joseph Oil Fox, Donald Ross, Francis Ouimet, Robert Lockhart. Indeed there many standing in line for the title, but who really qualifies?
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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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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.
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I thought it would be good to publish what others say regarding Alexander H. Findlay being "the Father of American Golf". I invite you to examine these sites yourself. If you find others please let me know and I will include them on this page.
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