This public park was originally common grazing land but is more famous as the birthplace of modern golf. Although St Andrews has the oldest golf course in the world, it was at Leith Links that the official rules of the game were first formulated by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers – a bronze statue on the northeast corner of the park depicts John Rattray about to tee off at the Company's first ever golf competition in 1744, which Rattray won.
A stone cairn near Duncan Pl on the western side of the park bears a plaque describing how the ancient game was played over five holes of around 400yd each.
