There are several lists of the oldest golf courses. For example The Old Links at Musselburgh is officially recognised by Guinness as the oldest golf course in the world. But the below stated list, inspired by the www.scottishgolfhistory.org, ranks the St Andrews Old Course as the oldest golf course in the world. The first documented rounds of golf here date back to 1552 and since then the course has become the most famous golf course in the world and an absolute must for any golf fan. Criteria: Reference to a date on which play began on the area of the current course. Any part of the current course being within the area played at this date. Continuity of play is disregarded.