Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†GOURLAY, n. A superior make of golf ball (see first quot.), a Feathery.Sc. c.1750 B. Darwin, etc. Hist. Golf (1952) 80:
This was Gourlay at Bruntsfield and Musselburgh; and so expert in the art did his family show that, as old golfing writings record time and again, a “Gourlay” became the accepted term for a ball and the best that was made; so much so that “a Gourlay” commanded the highest price in the market.Sc. 1833 G. F. Carnegie Golfiana 13:
Near him is S — ll, dress'd in blue coat plain, With lots of Gourlay's, free from spot or stain.
