The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a golden age when the tracks of the railway and the fairways of golf grew in tandem. In the UK, virtually every corner of the country – from the Scottish Highlands to the Sussex Downs – saw golf clubs spring up “where the railway runs,” providing an outlet for industrial-age city dwellers to enjoy pastoral recreation. Many of today’s most venerable clubs literally put themselves on the map thanks to a nearby train station or a well-timed weekend rail service.

In North America, the vast distances were shrunk by rail travel, allowing golfers to discover majestic new venues and turning golf into a continental pursuit. Railroad companies, keen to fill seats on trains, actively fostered golf tourism – building courses, partnering with clubs, and marketing “greens by rail” to the public.

Porters were a ubiquitous presence at train stations and their duties went far beyond hefting trunks and cases. Porters of this era saw it as their duty (and in their interest) to attend to virtually any request from an important traveler. Travelers would sometimes slip a porter money to fetch forgotten items from nearby shops — cigars, newspapers, even clothing— while luggage was being loaded.

Much like the railway porters of a century ago who quietly ensured every need was met beyond the platform, Porter18 serves as today’s discreet concierge for golf’s most prestigious courses — extending their hospitality into the digital age.

As long as these historic courses thrive, and golfers continue to explore far-off courses, Porter18 will be your link to your greatest golfing memories.