Nashville Partner Playfair's Centuries-Deep Connection to St. Andrews: The Birthplace of Golf

Adams & Reese Nashville Partner and Global Intellectual Property Team Leader Edward Playfair was recently featured in an article by Chattanoogan.com highlighting his deep family roots in St. Andrews, Scotland, a region widely regarded as the birthplace of golf.

The article explores how Playfair's connection to St. Andrews extends far beyond a love of the game. In fact, generations of Playfairs have played instrumental roles in shaping the St. Andrews community and golfing heritage for more than two centuries. This includes his great-great-great-great-grandfather, who was appointed one of two principals of the University of St. Andrews in 1799 and later served as the society's honorary chaplain. His ancestor, Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair, also served as Provost (Mayor) of St. Andrews from 1842 to 1861, revitalizing the town and overseeing the construction of the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. He was knighted in recognition of his contributions and served as captain of the club in 1856. Another ancestor, Lyon Playfair, the 1st Lord Playfair of St. Andrews, served as a member of Parliament and government minister, and a monument to him stands outside the R&A Clubhouse overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course.

Born in Australia and raised in southwestern England, Playfair has called Nashville home for the past 17 years. As the Global Intellectual Property Team Leader, he counsels Adams & Reese clients across the nation and worldwide on their transactional, enforcement, and monetization matters, drawing on years of experience as both an IP attorney and a business consultant. 

Playfair attended the University of St. Andrews from 1991 to 1995. He is a current member of Hillwood Country Club in Nashville and has cultivated a reputation as a golf historian, having formerly served as an appraiser and auctioneer of golfing antiques and memorabilia for Sotheby's in London. He also currently serves on the USGA Museum and Library Committee.

The Playfair family's bond with the St. Andrews community continues into the next generation, with his son, Lyon, now a first-year student at the University of St. Andrews and maintaining that familial link to the town that spans eight generations. "A lot of Playfairs still consider this home," Playfair said. "St. Andrews has remained as sort of a constant. We've got a place here, and we come back pretty regularly. It made sense for my son to come here to the university, and he's heavily into golf and loves it. It's nice to continue the family tradition in St. Andrews."

Recently, Playfair, his son Lyon, and members of their family attended a ceremony to unveil a blue plaque honoring Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair. During Sir Hugh’s tenure as Provost of St. Andrews, he played a key role in reversing the town’s 19th-century decline, leading efforts to restore the harbor, improve infrastructure, and modernize its built environment. The plaque was installed at St. Leonards House, the former home of Sir Hugh and his family. 

Read the full stories on Edward Playfair’s St. Andrew connections here: 

Historical Connection To St. Andrews Continues For Nashville’s Edward Playfair - Chattanoogan.com.

Blue plaque unveiled to honour the man who ‘rescued’ St Andrews from decline