Aim of Leith Rules Golf Society 1744

From a meeting in late 2001 at Leith Cricket Club initiated by Tim Bell (Chairman of Leith Initiative for Tourism) with Pat Denzler (President of Leith Chamber of Commerce) and John Dixon (of Georgian Antiques) and other Leith supporters,  it was agreed to organise a celebration of Links golf to coincide with The Open Golf Champiomship, just 20 miles away at Muirfield Club in East Lothian, in July 2002. 

Councillor Ricky Henderson and Graham Croucher of City of Edinburgh Council (Culture and Leisure) supported with funding, arranged permission for the event, as well organising grass-cutting and publicity. Cornelius Waugh of Leith Cricket Club (as the largest 'occupier' of park space), with John Dixon of Georgian Antiques, introduced many supportive golfing contacts such as the late Archie Baird (of Gullane Golf Museum), Philip Knowles (author, historian and golf archivist at Royal Burgess GC) and Jim Forson (British Golf Collectors Society). 

The idea of a Hickory Open on the weekend of 12-13 July 2002 is thought to have originated with Jim Forson, working with John Dixon of Georgian Antiques who lent hickory clubs. Jim Forson was the Hickory Organiser with Saturday attracting the most entries and given hospitality by the ladies of the Cricket Club. With qualifying rounds to a Final, they played 5 holes with traditional equipment in traditional dress and was judged a great success - the first competition in recent times.

As well as supporting the Hickory Open, The Society held its first Open Day on Sunday 13th July 2002 for the public to play the same 1744 Course, have coaching instruction and view an exhibition of golfing equipment, much of it supplied by Georgian Antiques. Across all days, about 400 golfers and members of the public took part.  The renewal of Links golf had begun and led to the founding of the Society in 2003.