In the late 19th century, most clubs began to align themselves with either the Society of St. Andrews Golfers, later the R&A, or the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, later the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.
In the late 1800s, most clubs opted for affiliation with either the Society of St. Andrews Golfers, later known as the R&A, or the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, which eventually became the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.