Ladies Of The Links

Marking the bi-centenary of the first ever women's golf tournament, Rhona Cameron plays a round at Musselburgh, both the scene of that historic competition and also her home course.

Records show that during the 19th century a women's golf competition was held annually on New Years Day among the fishwives of Musselburgh. The earliest known reference to an open womens' golf competition at Musselburgh dates from 9th January 1811.

To ensure a bumper entry from the hard-working women of the fishing community the winner's prize was a 'creel' and a 'skull' (the headdress and basket used to carry fish). The consolation prizes were 'two fine silk handkerchiefs from Barcelona'.

Musselburgh Links is the site of the oldest remaining golf course in the world. This nine-hole course is a relic from the 'cradle of golf' and remains as a testimony to what was the centre of Scottish golf during its greatest era. The course itself is fascinating. Unexpectedly it's on the infield of a race course, slap-bang in the middle of a horse racing track.

Born and raised in Musselburgh, keen golfer Rhona Cameron will be playing a round on the famous course, whilst exploring the history of this famous game and considering the origins of women's golf more generally.

Producer: Kevin Dawson

A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2011.

Rhona Cameron celebrates the bi-centenary of the earliest known women's golf competition