The Art of Scottish Golf by Martin Dempster Book Review

Martin Dempster has written hundreds of thousands of words about global golf, but it is clear that his heart and soul is within his Scottish roots. He has an impressive resume, having formerly been editor of Bunkered magazine in Scotland, and more recently golf writer for The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and Edinburgh Evening News. He has been a member of the Association of Golf Writers since 1997 and served as its chairman from 2019 to 2023. 

This has provided him with an enviable level of access to golf at all levels, including some prominent professionals who have been happy to contribute to this project.

I see his new book The Art of Scottish Golf as a love letter and tribute to golf and its origins within Scotland. 

It is beautifully illustrated from the iconic railway poster that adorns its cover to a range of superb photography that immediately makes one wish to jump in the car and travel north of the border.

It is an eclectic mix of points of interest but still maintains your attention from page 1 to 241. 

It discusses why golf has become Scotland's national sport and how it is played with joy and love from cradle to grave. Dempster references the glorious courses located across the country from the heady heights of the Old Course at St Andrews to the equally wonderful but lesser-known gems that provide this country with its unsurpassed catalogue of golfing delights.

He highlights those of Scottish ancestry who have excelled at the sport on the global stage and why the business of golf appears to be booming now and in the future. 

I loved the chapters on the clubhouses found in Scotland and having had the joy of visiting and enjoying most of those featured brought back some wonderful memories.

This book provided me with a sensory experience as it reminded me of the sights and sounds and smells that have accompanied me on all my previous Scottish adventures.

I found myself thinking of visits to Panmure and Carnoustie accompanied by the crack and smell of the cordite from the nearby military ranges. 

The wonderful experience of a birdie on Hogan's Alley whilst accompanied by my son and close friend on the Championship Course at Carnoustie. The sounds of the wheeling, careering seagulls and dank, salty smells at St Andrews. A wonderful day spent at Kingsbarns completing our own version of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

His comments about the heritage and history of Muirfield had me salivating at the prospect and this experience has now been moved to the top of my personal bucket list.

The chapter on caddies and greenkeepers who are so important to the Scottish golfing package is also a pleasure to read. This book has triggered in me so many thoughts and feelings that are directly linked to my personal Scottish golfing experiences.

If you are seeking a golf related gift for yourself or someone close to you, this is a present that will not disappoint and will be revisited again and again.

For more information and to buy, please visit https://blackandwhitepublishing.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-art-of-scottish-golf.

Delivery direct from the publisher is restricted to the UK only currently.

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