"The First International Foursome" Signed Antique Print

"First International Foursome" - Played on Leith Links in 1682 Print by Allan Stewart Circa 1920

England vs Scotland

This vibrant first generation print has been signed by Allan Stewart

The painting is based on the historic meeting in 1682 between the Duke of York, later James II, who was in residence at Holyrood. A discussion arose between the Duke and two English noblemen as to whether golf had not been played as long in England as in Scotland. The Duke championed the claims of Scotland and quoted acts of the Scottish Parliament of 1457 with reference to the game. Similar evidence not forthcoming for England, they proposed to decide it by playing a game on Leith Links for stakes.

The Duke selected as his partner for Scotland, John Paterson, an Edinburgh shoemaker who was the best golfer of his day and descendant of a long line of golfers. The game resulted in a win for Scotland and the stakes were handed to Paterson. He used the stake to build a house in Canongate, Edinburgh--still standing and known as The Golfers' Land. He placed a tablet on the front bearing the Paterson Arms with the crest depicting a hand holding a club and the motto, "Far and Sure"

Framed Dimensions: 37.5" x 33"