Remember a time when golf’s rules weren’t as standardized as they are today? That brings us to the John Rattray Statue. The John Rattray Statue stands here on Leith Links. It commemorates a man who helped shape the game we know and love.
John Rattray was more than just a golfer. Born in 1707, he was a skilled surgeon from an influential family. His father was an Episcopalian priest and Bishop of Dunkeld. Rattray trained as a surgeon in Edinburgh. He became a Fellow of the Incorporation of Surgeons in 1740.
But let’s not forget Rattray’s sporting prowess. He excelled in archery and golf. He even won the Edinburgh Arrow twice. In 1744, Rattray won the first golf competition organized by the Company of Gentleman Golfers. This earned him the title Captain of Goff. More importantly, he signed the first ever Rules of Golf.
These original rules consisted of thirteen articles. They were adopted by the St Andrews golfers with minor changes in 1754. These rules still form the basis of the modern laws of the game.
Now consider this. Rattray wasn’t just signing rules as a formality. It’s believed he significantly contributed to their creation. The rules were born from discussions among golfers at Straiton’s Tavern after their games. Imagine the scene. Claret flows. Golfers debate. The very essence of the sport is hammered out.
But there’s another layer to Rattray’s story. He lived in tumultuous times. In 1745, he joined the Jacobite rising. He became surgeon-general to Prince Charles Edward Stuart. After the Battle of Culloden, Rattray was captured. His life was in danger.
Here’s where his golfing connections played a crucial role. Duncan Forbes, Lord President of the Court of Session and Rattray’s golfing partner, intervened. Forbes’ plea saved Rattray from execution. He was eventually released.
After his release, Rattray returned to Edinburgh. He resumed his surgical practice and continued to play golf. He even won the silver club again in 1751. He died in 1771 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
The John Rattray Statue was unveiled on September 11, 2019. Sculptor David Annand created the bronze statue. It depicts Rattray about to tee off in the 1744 competition. The statue is surrounded by landscaped mounds. Three bronze plaques display the first rules. They also show Rattray’s biography.
So, as you stand before the John Rattray Statue, remember his multifaceted life. He was a surgeon. He was a sportsman. He was a Jacobite. But above all, he was a key figure in shaping the game of golf. His legacy lives on every time someone tees off under rules he helped create.