history of golf presentation

The History of Golf

Aug 08, 2014

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The History of Golf. Josh Tompkins, Nate Balanis. Birthplace.

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The History of Golf Josh Tompkins, Nate Balanis

Birthplace Scotland is considered to be birthplace of golf. It began by hitting a pebble or other round objects into a hole by means of a stick or club.Golf was played at St. Andrews before 1403, and there is sufficient evidence that it was being played in one form or another in Scotland as much as a century before that, about 1300. St Andrews

During the first decade of the twentieth century, golf ball manufacturers were experimenting with rubber core mesh balls. It was at the beginning of the modern day golf ball. Early dimples in golf balls offered players greater spin and feel. Initially, golf balls were wooden. The wooden balls used were made from hardwoods such as beech and box root, and then rounded with tools. Then a feather ball was created. In its beginnings the leather golf balls were filled with wool or hair, and ultimately it was discovered that the use of feathers produced a longer lasting ball. Types of Balls

Clubs • A long time ago iron clubs were used and they all included: • Persimmon wood heads • Hickory shafts • Leather grips • Today's clubs improve launch, spin and flight characteristics that creates efficient overall performance. Manufacturing is high tech. Clubs of today include: • Titanium • Aluminum • Graphite

The Golf Tee • The golf tee was invented by African-American dentist in 1899 who took up golf after the civil war. The patent office gave him a trademark on his invention of the tee, but he never marketed it. He shared it only with friends and playing partners. He died in 1910 without accumulating much wealth from the invention. • The tee has changed little over the years.

The Early Game • St. Andrews eventually became the traditional center of all golf, thanks partly to a publicity stunt. Where everyone was invited to play. The winner received a silver club. • In a short time, St. Andrews became the premier golfing town. • In 1764, when the St. Andrews course finally settled on 18 holes (down from its previous 22), 18 became the accepted number for all golf courses. • Flags were used on the golf course to explain the the first nine holes from the back nine since there were 2 flags per green.

Golf Terms • Bogey (+1) “Bogey” was the first stroke system and was considered the “ground score”. It defines a score of 1 more than the par. • Par(-) Par is derived from the stock exchange term that a Stock may be above or below its normal or “par” Figure. • Birdie (-1) Comes from the 19th century American slang term "bird", meaning anything excellent. It means your scored 1 less than par.

Terms Continued • Eagle (-2) Clearly the extension of the theme of birds. A score of two under par is, in some ways, a 'big birdie' and an eagle is a big bird. • Albatross (-3) Three under par is a very rare score and an albatross is a very rare bird.

The invention of the mower was critical to help maintain the course. Before the mower, it was impossible to play in the summer on inland courses because the grass would grow so high. In most areas, cattle and grazing sheep kept the area level enough in the winter so that balls were not lost. Numerous traditional golf courses have been redesigned and lengthen because technology has increased the distance and accuracy of today's equipment. Golf courses include 3 parts; The tee box, fairway and rough. The Golf Course

The Early Professional • When you spoke the word ‘professional’ in the early 1800s, you were referring to a professional caddie. • The caddies were the only ones that made a living from the game. • Caddies were usually the best players.

Golf in America • The united states golf association was formed on Dec. 22, 1894.  • At the turn of the century, there were more golf clubs in the united states than there were in Britain. • The PGA of America was founded in 1916

Tournament Play • Tournament play has developed over the years. There is now a tournament played every week. But the 4 major tournaments are the most desired and respected: • Masters • U.S. Open • British Open • PGA Championship

Great Players There have been many great players in the history of Golf. A few of the outstanding golfers include: • Bobby Jones • Walter Hagen • Sam Snead • Arnold palmer • Jack Nicklaus • Tiger woods

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Golf History: Timeline & How it started

March 9, 2024

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Golf History, a fascinating journey through time, has captivated enthusiasts for centuries.

In this deep-dive of Golf History.

Discover the origins of golf, its evolution, and the legends that have shaped its enduring popularity.

Let’s tee off!

Table of Contents

Golf History Summary

15th century, 1940s & 1950s, 1970s & 1980s, 2000s – present, who invented golf, how did golf become so popular, where did golf originate.

• ⏳ Origins and Evolution: Golf traces its roots back to 15th century Scotland, where it was played on natural terrain with basic clubs and balls. Over time, it evolved into its modern form, with standardized rules and equipment, and gained a global following.
• 🚀  Rise to Prominence: The establishment of professional tournaments, such as The Open Championship in 1860, and legendary players like Old Tom Morris and Harry Vardon, elevated golf’s status. In the early to mid-20th century, golf became popular among social elites, solidifying its place in society.
• 🥇   Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Modern golf has witnessed worldwide expansion, advancements in course design, technology, and equipment, as well as notable players who have shaped the sport. The rise of televised events and global tours demonstrates golf’s adaptability and enduring popularity in the world of sports.

Golf History Timeline

In the 15th century, a game resembling golf took shape in Scotland. Players used wooden clubs to hit a leather ball stuffed with feathers towards a target placed on the natural terrain. The game gained popularity and even drew the attention of the Scottish monarchy. In 1457, King James II of Scotland banned golf temporarily as it was considered a distraction from military training.

During this period, golf began to evolve, with new clubs, balls, and rules taking shape. Golf’s early beginnings in Scotland served as the foundation for the modern sport we know today.

The first recorded rules of golf were created by the Gentlemen Golfers of Edinburgh (later known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) in 1744. This set of 13 rules formed the basis for the game we know today. The first organized golf competition, the Silver Club tournament , was also held in the same year at Leith Links in Edinburgh.

The 18-hole standard of modern golf courses evolved from these early competitions. As the popularity of golf spread throughout Great Britain, courses and clubs were established in other parts of the country, paving the way for formalized golf events and recognition.

The first Open Championship, also known as the British Open , took place in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. This marked the beginning of professional golf tournaments, attracting players from across the British Isles. Old Tom Morris, one of the early stars of golf, won multiple championships and became a key figure in shaping the sport’s future.

During this time, golf continued to evolve as new clubs, balls, and players revolutionized the game. As the professional side of golf grew, so did its influence, attracting fans and enthusiasts throughout the world.

A pivotal moment in golf history occurred in 1913 when Francis Ouimet, a 20-year-old American amateur golfer, won the U.S. Open . Ouimet’s victory over British professionals Harry Vardon and Ted Ray signified a shift in the world of golf, as American players started to emerge as strong competitors on the global stage.

This event also served to boost golf’s popularity in the United States, which led to the establishment of new golf courses, clubs, and associations throughout the country. This growth laid the foundation for golf to become a truly international sport.

One of the most iconic golf events, the Masters Tournament, was established in 1922 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. The first Masters was held in 1934 at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The Masters became one of the major championships in golf, alongside the Open Championship, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship.

The Masters , with its signature green jacket and prestigious venue, further elevated golf as a professional sport. The competition became a significant part of golf history and helped to expand the sport’s popularity.

Golf continued to grow in popularity during the mid-20th century, with players like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Byron Nelson dominating the sport. These golfers, alongside other greats such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, paved the way for golf to become a premier sport in the United States and abroad.

Television and other forms of media started broadcasting golf matches, further increasing the sport’s reach. As golf spread globally, more countries began establishing professional golf tours, further solidifying the sport’s international status.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a new era in golf, with players like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Nancy Lopez becoming household names. The sport continued to gain fans, thanks in large part to the thrilling rivalries and outstanding performances of these players. Golf continued to evolve during this period, with improvements in equipment technology, golf courses, and tournament organization.

One of the most famous golfers in history, Tiger Woods, made his debut in the late 1980s. He would go on to change the face of golf, bringing the sport to new heights of popularity and competitiveness.

The 21st century has seen a continuation of the sport’s growth and evolution. Tiger Woods’ career, marked by his incredible achievements, has drawn millions of fans to golf. More recent players such as Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka have also contributed to the ever-growing popularity of the sport.

Technological advancements in golf equipment, apparel, and course design have further enhanced the game, making it more enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Today, golf remains an integral part of the global sports landscape, beloved and followed by millions of fans around the world.

Golf’s origin is traced back to Scotland in the 15th century. Although unclear on a specific inventor, it’s often associated with the Scottish.

Golf’s popularity soared through televised tournaments, charismatic players like Tiger Woods, and its reputation as a sport for successful people.

Golf originated in the Kingdom of Scotland during the 15th century, as documented in several historical references.

Max is a sports enthusiast who loves all kinds of ball and water sports. He founded & runs stand-up-paddling.org (#1 German Paddleboarding Blog), played competitive Badminton and Mini Golf (competed on national level in Germany), started learning ‘real’ Golf and dabbled in dozens of other sports & activities.

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A Brief History of Golf

Millions of people play golf every day around the world. Young and old, men and women, enjoy the game that traces its roots as far back as 100 BCE in Rome. Through the magic of television, live streaming on the internet and other forms of media, people today see the majestic beauty of Augusta National, the ancient links of the Old Course at St. Andrews, the splendor of Pebble Beach, or any one of the hundreds of courses on which today’s professionals showcase their superhuman skills. Certainly, golf course design, technology, and the players have come a long way since the nascent years of the game. The following will examine some of the history behind the game of golf, specifically its development into what we know as golf today.

The earliest form of golf can be traced to ancient Rome where people played a game called paganica around 100 BCE. Players hit a stuffed leather ball with a bent stick. During the Song Dynasty (960 CE to 1279 CE) in China, participants played chuiw an, which was played with several clubs and a ball.

A 1261 manuscript of Flemish poet Jacob van Maerlant referred to a game with a ball and club. The reference may have been to the Dutch game called colf or kolf during which four players hit balls over a certain distance with the winner being the one who reached the starting point of one of the other players. Some colf or kolf games lasted multiple days.

However, the modern game of golf can trace its roots to Scotland. In a 1457 Act of the Scottish Parliament, the game of gowf (golf) received its first mention. The Act prohibited the game because King James II saw it as a distraction from archery practice, necessary for the defense of the country.   Further mention of the game can be found in government documents in 1471 and 1491 banning the sport. By 1500, Scotland lifted all bans and within a couple of years, King James IV purchased balls and clubs to play the game. At that time, balls were made of wood or hard leather while clubs were made of wood, mostly beech, holly, pear, and apple. In 1724, various documents referenced balls stuffed with feathers.

Royalty provided the impetus for the spread of golf in Europe.  Mary Queen of Scots began playing golf in 1552.  Later, while studying in France, Mary introduced the sport there.  Interestingly, the term “caddie” comes from her French military aides, referred to as cadets.  King Charles, I introduced the sport to England in the 17th century.  While playing a round of golf at Leith in Scotland in 1641, he learned of the beginning of the Irish Rebellion, which marked the beginning of the English Civil War.  Unperturbed, Charles finished his round.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG) established the first rules of golf in 1744. Twenty years later, the Old Course at St. Andrews reduced its total holes from 22 to 18, establishing the format for today’s game.

By 1826, hickory, imported from the United States, became the wood of choice for club shafts in Great Britain. About 20 years later, the gutta percha ball became the ball of choice. The ball makers placed strips of gutta percha (dried sap from a Sapodilla tree) in boiling water then molded the ball by hand before submerging in cold water to harden it.

The first British Open Championship was played at Prestwick in 1860. The Royal Liverpool Golf Club established the British Amateur Championship in 1885–Hoylake hosted the first tournament.

Montreal established the first permanent golf club in North America in 1873, Canada’s Royal Montreal Club, while in 1894 the United States Golf Association (USGA) was formed in New York with five charter members—St. Andrew’s Golf Club of Yonkers, New York; Newport (Rhode Island) Golf Club; Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in South Hampton, New York; The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts; and the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois.  A year later, the Newport Country Club hosted the first United States Amateur Championship and United States Open.  The USGA maintains the official rules of golf for the United States and Mexico.

By 1900, persimmon became the wood of choice for club heads while aluminum became a popular alternative. Groove-faced irons, which promote increased backspin, entered the market two years later.  Around the same time, the rubber-cored Haskell ball joined the list of new equipment. This ball revolutionized golf because it traveled farther than the gutta-percha ball and cost much less to manufacture. Golf enthusiasm and participation soared to new heights. By 1910, 267 clubs claimed USGA membership.

In 1916, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) was formed and the first PGA Championship took place at Siwanoy Country Club in New York. Five years later the British team won the first Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland. However, the United States team won the first Walker Cup in 1922 at Golf Links of America in Southampton, New York.

Golf technology continued to evolve and the Royal and Ancient (R&A), the recognized stewards of the rules of golf everywhere except the United States and Mexico, accepted steel-shafted golf clubs for the first time in 1929. The next year, Bobby Jones became the only person to achieve the Grand Slam of golf with victories in the United States Amateur, the British Amateur, the United States Open, and the British Open. Not long afterward, Jones was instrumental in designing Augusta National Golf Club, where the first Masters took place in 1934. In 1939, the Royal and Ancient indoctrinated the 14-club rule to promote individual skill and to prevent golfers from using an inordinate amount of clubs.

Women shared the golf spotlight with the men beginning in 1932 when the United States team defeated the team of Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup at the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.   The United States Women’s Open was staged for the first time in 1946 at Spokane Country Club in Washington and four years later the Ladies’ Professional Golfers’ Association (LPGA) was formed.

Since 1952 the R&A and the USGA have worked together to produce a common set of rules for golfers worldwide called the “Rules of Golf.”  The rules are revised every four years.

More equipment changes followed World War II. Influenced by research in synthetic and composite materials, golf club manufacturing changed. In 1963, the casting method for manufacturing club heads was introduced.  This new technology lowered the costs of golf clubs, which led to increased participation in the sport. Graphite shafts hit the market in 1973, which were lighter and stronger than steel shafts. TaylorMade introduced the first metal woods in 1979. Callaway owns the honor of the best-selling golf club in history, the Big Bertha, which hit the market for the first time in 1991.

Golf has a long and rich history. The game may have its roots as far back as ancient Rome and China. Certainly, the game as we know it today can be traced to Scotland in the fifteenth century. As technology changed over the years and equipment costs fell, more and more people began to play the game. Arguably, it is the one sport that people can truly enjoy well into their later years in life.  Play the game once and you will probably be hooked. Just remember to yell “fore!” after an errant shot.

Mary Q. of Scots predates Charles the 1st by being his granny who lost her head at the hand of Elizabeth the 1st , in England so hardly the same period as her grandson. His father did not live south of the border until after the death of Elizabeth. His son, born in England I suspect, and grandson Chas 2 ( with a hiatus for Oliver Cromwell ) never came to Scotland at all. They more likely played at Bowles , than Gowf.

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True Story: King James V1 of Scotland, wanted to do something with his merry men. So, they formed a group and called it “Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden.” Hence, came the game of GOLF.

[…] A 1540 book that became known as the “Golf Book” described a game very similar to the modern golf game, and throughout the rest of the 1500s, references to “colf”/”kolf” appear […]

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The History of Golf: From the Scots to Modern Day

The great Robin Williams once described golf as “knocking a ball into a gopher hole.” If you haven’t watched his full rant about golf in his old HBO comedy special, you’re missing out (warning, it’s not kid friendly). 

If you think about it, he’s not wrong though. For centuries, people around the world have been doing their best to get that ball in the gopher holes in as few of shots as possible.

Golf dates back to the British Isles for what we consider modern game. While historians say that golf began hundreds of years before in similar ball games.

But before titanium drivers, speed training, country club life, and American golf prize money, there’s a lot behind this great game called golf. Keep reading to learn more about the origins of golf and learn how it’s become one of the most popular sports in the world.

History of Golf 

Golf has come a long way over the years. While now it’s common to see players hit 300+ yard bombs and shoot -25 in four rounds of competitive golf, this wasn’t always the case.

If you didn’t know, the origins of golf are widely debated. So, when was golf first invented?

Some golf historians claim a golf-like game was created in 1297 called apocryphally. This Dutch game was played with a stick and leather ball with the goal to get it in the hole in the fewest strokes possible. 

While other scholars reference that clubs were used in the 17th-century Netherlands. Others describe a game called “kolf” popping up in the United States in the 1650s. This version of the game was played on fields in spring, summer, and fall while it took place on ice in the winters.

But the modern version of the sport we all know and love is said to be a Scottish invention. 

According to  Historic-UK ,  “The first reference to golf at its now recognised historic home town of St Andrews, was in 1552. It was not until 1754 however that the St Andrews Society of Golfers was formed to compete in its own annual competition using Leith’s rules. The first ever 18-hole course was constructed at St Andrews in 1764, establishing the now recognised standard for the game.” 

But even before that golf was getting its start as early as the 15th century. The same Historic UK article mentioned that people would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes using a bent stick or club. It became so popular that King James II had to ban the sport altogether as people were ignoring their archery practice that is required for military training. 

However, the ban was largely ignored (proving that golfers will always golf) and King William IV honored the oldest golf club as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1834. This is the British version of the USGA (United States Golf Association) – the governing body of golf in the United States. 

Other places around the world adopted golf in the late 1760s as well including Bangalore, India in 1820. Over the next century golf courses started popping up in Ireland, Cape Town, New York, and Royal Hong Kong. Some of the oldest courses outside the UK include:

• Newport Club
• Tokyo Golf Club
• Chicago Golf Club
• South Carolina Golf Club
• Royal Calcutta Golf Club
• Royal Montreal Golf Club

While golf was becoming more popular, the sport really took off in the late 1860s thanks to the industrial revolution. Railways made it easier to access different towns and golf courses started popping up everywhere. Not to mention they were able to start mass-producing golf clubs and equipment so it was more affordable for the everyday person. 

18 Hole Design 

Did you know that golf was originally a 22 hole sport?

The links at St. Andrews during the 15th century had a total of 11 holes for the customary route. Players would play them and then play them again on the way back for a total of 22 holes. 

But in 1764 it was decided that some of the holes were too short and combined them to make nine holes. A complete round became 18 holes, making the first golf course St. Andrews.

Previously golf courses could range from 6-20+ holes but now 18 holes is the worldwide standard. Later, the R&A became the rule-making body in the late 1890s.

Golf course maintenance has evolved a lot too. According to this   Golf.com  article ,  “These courses were often where livestock such as sheep and goats were kept as well, as these animals served as that generation’s agronomists and lawn mowers.’[The townspeople] would just go play golf and bring their goat with them and let them go mow the grass.”

Imagine taking your goat out to the golf course to act as your caddy and greenskeeper . Wow, times have changed! 

Rules of Golf 

One thing that separates golf from other sports is the insane amount of rules. But it’s the rules and integrity of upholding them that make this sport unlike any other.

According to a  History article ,  “In 1744, the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers wrote down the first rules of the game, known as the Thirteen Articles, for their tournament at the Leith Links in Edinburgh. Over the next 100 years, those 13 rules were adopted by more than 30 clubs.” 

The R&A later standardized the rules of golf in 1899 alongside the USGA in America. To this day the rules of golf are quite different from other sports and one part that makes it harder for new players to learn the game . If you’re new to the game, make sure to read our  simple rules of golf.  

Aside from the rules that govern golf, there are a lot of terms to describe different aspects of the sport. Terms like eagle, birdie, bogey, shank, yip, chunk, are just a few common examples. Read more about the golf scoring names here .

The faster you can learn the lingo of golf, the more you can talk the talk when playing with other golfers.   Click here to learn more about some of the most commonly used golf terms . 

Golf Attire

Another aspect of the game that has evolved throughout history is the attire worn during golf. In the past, golfers would wear long pants (known as knicker bottoms), button down shirts, and ties. Some would even wear sports coats as well.

A  Golf Week article  chronicled how golfers used to dress saying,  “These golfers distinguished themselves by putting together formal outfits that featured “plus fours” or knickers with 4 inches of additional length; patterned, long golf socks; and two-tone “spectator” shoes. They continued the tradition of wearing a shirt and tie, over which they placed a knitted cardigan or “Norfolk” jacket on cooler days.” 

Golfers started dressing more casually in the 1930s during a heat wave where players needed to wear more lightweight clothing. In the 1940s, men started wearing short-sleeved knitted shirts and lightweight slacks. 

Needless to say, times have changed greatly as most players couldn’t imagine trying to swing a driver with a shirt and tie on. Now, the common golf attire are pants (or shorts for amateur golfers) and a button down collared shirt. Some municipal golf courses might not require polo shirts but most golf clubs do (especially private country clubs ).

Golfers on the PGA Tour must wear slacks during competition but can wear shorts in practice rounds. While players on the LIV golf series can now wear shorts in competition, a first in the professional golf world. 

Types of Golf Courses 

If you’ve watched the Open Championship, you know that golf course designs just like attire have changed greatly over the years. Modern day golf courses in the United States look nothing like the original designs in Scotland.

The first golf club and many others are known as  links golf courses . These are built into the terrain and often feature pot bunkers, tall fescue grass, and big but slower greens. While modern day parkland golf courses are longer, have different grass/sand, and much faster greens. 

This is another aspect of golf that makes it unlike any other sport. The terrain and weather vary from day to day unlike soccer, baseball, football, hockey.

History of Golf Clubs 

While golf courses have changed dramatically, golf clubs and equipment have too. In the beginning, golfers used hand-crafted wooden clubs made from beech wood. The shafts were made of hazel or ash and are night and day different from what we see today. 

Not only were the golf clubs wildly different but the golf balls were too. At the time balls were made of compressed feathers wrapped in a stitched horse hide. Needless to say, it is a little different from a Titleist ProV1 . 

Modern golf equipment is much easier to hit than the first iron clubs and golf ball making it much more inviting to everyday players. While it’s still one of the most expensive games played, it’s worth every penny. Playing golf is a great way to enjoy being outside with friends, family, and meeting like-minded people.

Caddies in Golf 

Let’s not forget about another crucial part of golf history –  caddies  (also known as “cads” or “cawdy”). A caddy is someone who helps you during the round by cleaning your golf clubs, reading greens, and carrying your bag. The history of caddies dates back to the early 1800s in Edinburgh and are still a part of the game today (despite golf carts). 

Sadly, caddies in the United States have a dark history too.  According to this  Wikipedia page ,  “During and even after the Jim Crow era of enforced racial segregation in the United States, many clubs particularly in the Southern United States permitted only blacks to serve as caddies. At the time, the vast majority of such clubs restricted membership exclusively to whites, while blacks were not allowed to play on such courses.”

Thankfully, things have changed as caddies are still a crucial part of the game. Some golf courses (like Augusta National) used to not allow outside caddies and you could only hire ones at the course. But that started to change in the 1980s when purses became larger and players preferred working with the same caddy each week. 

Now, traditional caddies now walk the course and are responsible for cleaning clubs, washing balls, locating balls, and helping with club selection among other responsibilities. For professional golfers, having the right caddy on the bag can make the difference between winning and losing. 

While fore-caddying is when caddies walk the course while players ride in carts. Fore caddying is more about locating golf balls, reading greens, and raking bunkers. Caddies are there to make the round more enjoyable for golfers but can help with advice about the golf course too. 

If you’ve never used a caddy, you are missing out. They make golf even more enjoyable and can help you save a ton of shots on courses you’ve never played. Since they loop the golf course multiple times per week, they know where to aim and how greens break better than anyone.

Click here to learn more about caddies in golf . 

Golf in the United States (American Golf)

Golf became more popular in the United States just before the 1900s and the USGA was established to govern the game in the 1894. By the year 1900 there were more than 1,000 golf courses in the United States; quickly the U.S. became the center of golf.

John Reed helped bring the game to America as he founded the St. Andrews Club in Yonkers, NY and it is one of the original courses of the USGA. While Elizabeth Reed founded Sage Hill Golf Club for women at a nearby location. 

Golf continued to grow after the USGA created the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur Championship, and U.S. Women’s amateur championship. All of which are still played today among other tournaments (like the U.S. Mid-Am Championship) that amateur golfers strive to win. 

According to  Wikipedia ,  “In 1922 Walter Hagen became the first native born American to win the British Open Championship. The expansion of the game was halted by the Great Depression and World War II, but continued in the post-war years. By 1980 there were over 5,908 USGA affiliated clubs. That figure grew to over 10,600 by 2013.” 

Bobby Jones, who remained an amateur despite his incredible talents, was also a driving force in growing the game in the United States. He won the Grand Slam in 1930 and is the co-founder of Augusta National.

Other players that have helped grow the game over the past century include Ben Hogan, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nikcalus, and of course, Tiger Woods. 

PGA Tour (Professional Golfers Association)

Professional golf is another reason the game has continued to grow over the last 100 years. The PGA Tour is the flagship Tour of the United States with the best players in the world and also runs:

• The Champions Tour (50 and older)
• PGA Tour Canada, Latinoamerica, and China
• Korn Ferry Tour (players who have not yet qualified for the PGA Tour – formerly known as the Web.com Tour) 

While the LPGA Tour is a separate entity for women golfers. There is also the Ladies Golf Union (LGU) which was the governing body for womens’ events in Great Britain and Ireland.

The PGA Tour does not host major tournaments (those are run separately) but does run weekly professional events such as the Players Championship and countless others. These events are televised and feature the best golfer in the world competing for millions of dollars each week. 

Want to join the greats of the game and become a pro golfer?  Click here to learn more about how to become a professional golfer now. 

Golf Majors 

Another aspect that makes this game so great are the major championships . The four majors of golf are the Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Open Championship (formerly known as the British Open). Winning all four events is known as the career grand slam of golf. 

Each major championship requires excellent golf to win on Sunday afternoon. Here is a quick breakdown of the four championships:

• The Masters : The first major of the year is always at the same site – Augusta National. It’s one of the most celebrated golf courses in the world and also extremely private. Every April the best players in the world try to win the title and slip on the green jacket.
• PGA Championship : The second major (which used to be the 4th major) is the PGA Championship. The venue changes each year and is the only major to not allow amateur golfers into the field. 
• U.S. Open : The U.S. Open is the third major and often the hardest test of golf. The course venues change but players can always expect extremely long courses, thick rough, and hard, challenging green complexes. They hold qualifiers each year so even everyday golfers can try to compete with the best golfers in the world every June.
• Open Championship : The final major is the Open which takes places on iconic courses such as St. Andrews. This link style major is very different from the others due to the weather and course design.  

Tiger Woods won all four in a row (but not in a calendar year) and it’s referred to as the “Tiger Slam.” It’s a feat that we will most likely never see again in the history of golf. 

Click here to learn more about golf majors now. 

Golf Museums 

If you want to learn more about the history of the game of golf, make sure to visit one of these incredible museums. 

• World Golf hall of Fame 
• Jack Nicklaus Museum 
• Canadian Golf Hall of Fame 
• The R&A World Golf Museum
• United States Golf Association Museum 

FAQs About Golf History 

Do you have more questions about how this great game got started? If so, keep reading to learn more how the sport became so popular in today’s world. 

What is the brief history of golf? Where was golf invented?

Ball and stick games were played for centuries before the invention of modern day golf. The oldest recorded rules of the game date back to 1744. According to  The College of Golf ,  “The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers published “Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf.”

This ancient piece of golf history, which now remains in the National Library of Scotland, gave fame to the Muirfield club being the longest surviving club in the history of golf.”

Golf got its start in Scotland, then grew to other areas of the world including the United States. The industrial revolution helped the game grow tremendously as it was easier to travel and manufacture golf equipment at scale. 

When was golf originally invented?

Golf origins have been debated by scholars for centuries. Early ball and stick games similar to golf can be traced back to the 11th century in China and other locations. While a similar version of golf was even played in the United States in the 1600s.

But the modern version of golf with 18 holes and wooden clubs got its start in Scotland. It’s the home of golf with St. Andrews being the original golf course. It’s hard to believe that St. Andrews is still relevant today and regularly hosts big tournaments including the Open Championship. 

Who invented golf?

Golf isn’t credited with one person as the mastermind behind the sport. But one thing that all golfers will appreciate is that the sport has been banned by several leaders throughout history. 

The Scottish Parliament thought of golf as a distraction as soldiers would often play instead of train for the military. Despite all the bans, golf continued to flourish and become the sport we all know and love.  

Did the Chinese invent golf?

Maybe, but there is a large amount of speculation in the golf world. 

According to the same History article from above,  “A 2006 exhibit in the  Hong Kong Heritage Museum  laid out what its curators said is evidence that people in ancient China played a version of golf (called chuiwan—or “hit ball”) as long ago as 1368. 

The museum displayed an enlargement of a part of a Ming Dynasty scroll “The Autumn Banquet” showing participants of an imperial court hitting a ball toward a hole in the grass.”

However, the former director of the United States Golf Association Golf Museum and Library Rand Jerris doesn’t agree that golf was created in China. In the same article, Jerris argues that every culture has had various ball and stick games over the years. But says that the Chinese version of golf wasn’t played outside, over a large landscape thus making it a different sport. 

Where is golf the most popular?

Thanks to technology and superstars like Tiger Woods, golf is a prominent sport around the world. Some of the most popular places are the United States, China, United Kingdom, Japan, South Africa, Australia, and more. Almost anywhere you travel, you can find a golf course to tee it up on. 

Golf is growing too. According to a recent R&A Sports Marketing Survey there are approximately 66.6 million golfers in the world. This is an increase of about 5 million in the last 5 years.

Why is golf called golf? 

The word doesn’t stand for anything despite many people thinking the acronym is “Gentlemen only, ladies forbidden.” According to the  USGA ,  “The word ‘golf’ is not an acronym for anything. Rather, it derives linguistically from the Dutch word ‘kolf’ or ‘kolve,’ meaning quite simply ‘club. ‘ In the Scottish dialect of the late 14th or early 15th century, the Dutch term became ‘goff’ or ‘gouff,’ and only later in the 16th century ‘golf.” 

What is the oldest golf course in the world?

The oldest golf course is the Old Course at St. Andrews. It’s commonly referred to as the home of golf and still one of the most iconic courses in the world. If you need a  bucket list golf trip , this is no doubt one of the most important stops. 

Final Thoughts on Where Golf Originated

Golf has been around for centuries (or longer) and hopefully will continue to thrive for a few more centuries. While 2020 was a challenging year for the entire world, golf is one of the few things that survived and grew over the pandemic. Since more and more people wanted to be outside, people decided to take up golf. 

What’s great is that the modern game isn’t just for gentlemen golfers anymore but women, juniors, and all types of people who enjoy a challenging sport. Play more of this crazy Scottish sport to create your own golf history and see how good you can get.

Don’t forget, the game is simple… just knock a ball in a gopher hole. Have fun and enjoy this great game! If you want more, there’s 50+ facts about golf here .

A History of Golf: From its Origins to the Modern Game

Golf is a sport that has been around for centuries, and its history is fascinating. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of golf and how it has evolved into the modern game that we know today. Golf has come a long way since its inception, and it is now enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. We will take a look at some of the most important moments in golf history and discuss how the game has changed over time. So if you’re interested in learning more about golf’s past, then keep reading!

The history of golf can be traced back to the 15th century, where it is believed to have originated in Scotland. The game was first mentioned in a book called “The Boke of St. Andrews”, which was published in 1457. In this book, it is said that golf was played by a group of Scottish shepherds. The game quickly gained popularity in Scotland, and by the 16th century, it had spread to other parts of Europe.

Golf reached the United States in the late 19th century, and it has been growing in popularity ever since. The first 18-hole golf course was built in 1893, and the first major championship was held in 1895. The game has continued to evolve over the years, and new technologies have made it more accessible than ever before. Today, golf is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and it is played all over the world.

Who invented game of golf?

No one really knows for sure, but the game most likely originated in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The first recorded mention of golf was in 1457, when King James II banned the game because it was interfering with the training of archers. Golf continued to be banned off and on over the next few centuries, until finally it became an accepted pastime of the upper class in Scotland.

From there, golf spread to other countries in Europe, and eventually to America. The first recorded game of golf in America took place in 1779, on a New York City farm. In 1873, the first professional golf tournament was held in England. And by 1900, golf had become an international sport, with tournaments being held all over the world.

Today, golf is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is a sport that can be played for a lifetime. And it is a sport that continues to evolve, as new technologies and equipment are developed to help players of all levels improve their game.

Why is golf called golf?

The name golf is derived from the Dutch word for “club,” which was later Anglicized as “colf.” The medieval term for golf, literally meant “game with clubs.”

The first golfing society was said to be in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Gentlemen Golfers (later known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) claimed their club had already started in 1744 and today it is located at Muirfield.

The first inter-Scotland club competitions were held in 1857. The first British Open would not be contested until the world waited until 1860.

The British Open was held 35 years before the U.S. Open, and it’s been known as “The World Open.” For a century or more, players from all around the world have participated. The British Open is a welcoming event for everyone. The U.S. Open has been going in that direction for the past decade. However, since the turn of the century, the British Open has welcomed a lineup from all over the world.

In 1996, Tiger Woods burst onto the golfing scene. He accomplished eight wins in 1999, nine victories in 2000, and won four consecutive major titles in 2000-2001, starting with the US Open in 2000.

Women have always held an important role in golf, even before they gained equality with men in the latter half of the 20th century. Accounts of women playing golf date back to Mary Queen of Scots.

Other countries

The game of golf has been around for centuries, but it was only in the early 20th century when British settlers and merchants started traveling to India. Soon there were two clubs outside England with roots dating back even further than those on English soil: Royal Calcutta Golf Club (established 1829)and Bombay Gymkhana golfer’s club(2012).

When the first Asian country was founded, they had tournaments to promote their culture. This helped many other countries follow suit and create clubs for golfing as well! A Thai course opened up on top of an old temple that dates back decades ago; while in China it took time but eventually someone else would introduce this sport–Japanese people built Kiawah Island’s famous nine-hole “Golf Club” around 1896 (though we’re not sure if any others existed before then).

The history of the golf ball

For several years golf balls were manufactured of wooden but at the beginning of the 16th century feather ball was introduced and praised for its advancements. Feathers are made using compressed cooked feathers to make their covers of stitched leather.

To fill the feathers, it took wooden instruments and then stuffing iron to finish the process. After the leather case had reached its limit the holes were stitched and the case was soaked and then the ball was smashed into a round ball and painted white. The whole procedure took so little time that it was worth it to produce four balls in one day, so the ball costs were around 5 shillings.

S. tournaments and players

The first official United States Amateur Championship was held in 1895. Walter Travis was America’s first great golfer. He demonstrated his abilities at golf with wins in both the US Amateur (1900 – 05) and British Amateur (1904, the only time he played in the event).

He was renowned for his indomitable courage but he also had nerves that seldom failed him. His career includes winning both the Amateur and US Open titles between 2007 and 2008. After World War I it became clear that many Scottish golfers were emigrating to the United States;

The first golf course

The first club in the United States was built in 1888. It was called the Saint Andrews Golf Club and it was located in Yonkers, New York. The golf course at Newport Country Club is the oldest surviving course in the country.

Golf quickly became a popular sport among American athletes. Many of them were members of the Saint Andrews Golf Club, including Dwight Eisenhower, who was the 34th president of the United States. He was a member from 1922 until his death in 1969.

The history of golf is rich and full of interesting stories and facts. It has evolved over the years to become the popular sport that it is today. I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the most important

The 1.62 formula

Shortly afterwards, World War I R&A introduced what they named the “1.62 formula” which states that balls are to have a maximum weight of 0.82 ounce (4.92 gram). For two years the USGA tried a ball which weighed 1.55 ounces (43.94 grams) and was 1.68 inches (4.27 cm) in diameter, but in 1932 the ball reverted to a weight of 1.62 ounces while maintaining an average weight of 1. In 1968, British golfers were required to buy an extra-large American ball which replaced the smaller ball throughout the world by 1980.

The premier championships

The most prestigious non-professional competition is the American Amateur Championship and British Amateurs Championship. The PGA Championships are the most popular and prestigious Grand Slam events for professional golfers.

The Player Championship has also gradually gained popularity and prestige, achieving the officially designated fifth-place ranking. Both Ryder Cups for professional golfers are significant tournament teams in which American golfers are challenged in competition with European golfers.

Matches and tournaments

It’s the first scheduled regular international match between Britain and the United States. In 1921 amateur teams were grouped together for Walker Cups and professional teams for Ryder Cup in 1927.

The amateur women’s Curtis Cup matches began on April 18, 1932. Although competition was often close in each competition, US team teams were successful in winning Cup games. The Ryder Cup format was changed in 1979 to increase the British team in order to also incorporate continental European players.

Developing rules for the game

Edinburgh Golfers is a world famous united states golf association . In 1744 the group published the first known rules of golf with an article entitled Articles and Rules on Golf. This is our most old rule.

Those rules had only a limited effect in 1754, when the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews became a leading body for the sport in England. The ancient rules book is still firmly preserved by Scottish authorities and is one of the most influential pieces of golf history of all time.

Development of equipment

How balls are handled is key to golf. The change of story in ball manufacture is broadly divided in logical phases starting with the feather that has survived throughout the centuries but became surpassed by Guttapercha in the early 1990s.

Most popular golf club’s in United States

Some of the most popular golf clubs in the United States include:

– American Amateur Championship

– British Amateurs Championship

– PGA Championships

– The Player Championship

– Ryder Cups

– Walker Cups

– Curtis Cup

– Edinburgh Golfers

– Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews

Golf is a game played with a long and rich history. It is a game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities for centuries. And it is a game that continues to evolve, as new technologies and equipment are developed to help players of all levels improve their game. Whether you are a casual player or a competitive golfer, there is something for everyone to enjoy about this great game. Thanks for reading!

related content: – Swing Man Golf: 30-40 Yards in 30 Days! – The Golf Performance Diet: 10 Ways to Increase Your Energy Instantly – Should your back be straight in golf?

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Golf Origins, Growth and History of the Game

History of the game of golf.

' The Game Begins : '

'Almost all modern sports have origins in earlier games, going as far back as thousands of years - golf is no different. Most modern games then eventually developed into a more recognizable version in the last 200 years or so. In this respect, golf differs from its sporting counterparts. Though golf's origins lie in the ball-and-stick games of ancient times, the modern game of golf dates as far back as the 1400s in Britain, and more specifically Scotland. In its early days, Scottish kings - James II and James IV - actually outlawed the game, believing the popularity of the sport conflicted with military training. However, King James IV himself became enamored with the sport by the 1500s, and in the early 1500s, in a short peace with England, the game became popular there as well, though when the two countries were back at war with each other, golf receded in England again. However, when James VI of Scotland took the throne in England in 1603, the game came to England to stay.'

'The rise of the sport was helped considerably by its popularity among the ruling class. Mary, Queen of Scots often played, her clubs carried by students she called "cadets." It is believed this is the origin of the word "caddie." James I appointed both official golf club and golf ball makers in the 1600s, while also lifting the ban on Sunday golf. James II organized the first international match, between England and Scotland.'

'In both countries, the game continued as a sport not of one class, but of all classes - still, of course, those classes did not mingle on the courses. The courses back then were not always as seen in today's sport; golf in the 17 th century was not as formally arranged, with little organization regarding the number of holes or even official rules. Formal golf courses did exist, however: clubs at Gosford, Blackheath (a seven-hole course near London) and St. Andrew's were regularly attended by the upper classes and nobility. Blackheath was founded as early as 1608, while St. Andrews Royal and Ancient Club was founded in 1754; yet St. Andrew's lays claim as the cradle of golf. Lower classes played on open land; early illustrations of the sport show men playing among herds of sheep.'

' The Early Equipment : '

'The biggest obstacle to golf being played by lower classes was the price of the golf ball. The early balls were made of feather and leather. In their earliest form, they were extremely difficult to make, and the makers could only produce about four or five per day per man. In the mid 1600s, they could cost as much as 2s 6d per ball (worth £9.45 today, or about $14). Balls became slightly cheaper to make by the mid-18 th century, but would still cost too much to make golf balls accessible to the lower classes. '

'Early golf clubs were made of materials similar to today's clubs: wood and iron. However, the biggest difference between old golf clubs and modern ones was the use. Originally, irons were used only for getting out of difficult spots: ditches, ruts and similar hazards. Irons were rarely used for approaches, and woods were used almost exclusively in most parts of the game. Today, while iron clubs are still used for hitting out of tough spots (those clubs are called wedges), irons are also used for the approach, a development that did not occur until the mid-1800s. '

Golf Clubs of a Different Sort

'As golf progressed, it slowly developed the aura of exclusivity. This was helped greatly by the establishment of golf clubs (not the equipment). In 1744, a group of golfers (calling themselves "Gentlemen of Honour") formed the Company of Gentlemen Golfers, now known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, believed to be the oldest golf club in the world. The Honourable Company also drew up a set of rules for golf, and when the Society of St. Andrews Golfers came up with the St. Andrews code in 1754, they drew heavily from the Honourable Company's rules. In addition to the Honourable Company and the Royal and Ancient Club of St. Andrews, the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society (1773), Musselburgh (1774), the Bruntsfield Links Golf Club (1787) and the Glasgow Club (1787) were all formed in Scotland. These early clubs are actually aberrations: the vast majority of significant clubs formed in the 1800s. Additionally, no golf club was formed outside of Scotland before 1787, when the Honourable Company of Golfers was founded at Blackheath. By the 1850s, the United Kingdom had around 35 clubs. The first club formed outside of the U.K. was in Pau, France in 1856, and that club was actually begun by Scottish soldiers who had passed through and returned later to live and build a course.'

' The 1800s: Modern Golf Takes its Form : '

'The 19 th century is considered by many to be the period when the truly modern game emerged. The changes that primarily spurned this modernization were to the equipment of the game. Up to 1848 , golf balls, as previously stated, were featheries, made of feathers and leather. In 1848, a man named Rev. Adam Patterson was said to have created the first gutta percha ball, or "guttie," a ball made of the rubber-like sap of he Gutta tree, native to the tropics. The guttie was much cheaper to make than its predecessor, and quickly became the standard of golf. Additionally, gutties were much easier to repair, which added to their popularity. Initially the gutta percha balls were smooth, unlike the featheries, which cut down on the distance they could travel. However, in the 1880s, manufacturers began using patterns on the surface of the balls to replicate the effect of the old featheries. Later in the century, in the 1890s, many companies began using molds to create the balls, making them even more affordable. When rubber companies (like Dunlop, which still produces golf balls) began mass-producing golf balls, the handmade gold ball business virtually disappeared. The changes in golf balls also necessitated changes in golf clubs. It was the guttie ball that led to much greater use of the irons, while woods were made much firmer and fitted with leather heads to reduce wear.'

'Two notable figures of the period are Allan Robertson and Tom Morris. Both men were ball makers as well as players of the sport. Robertson and Morris, in fact, began working in the same shop (Robertson's) before a feud over golf balls led to the dissolution of the partnership. Robertson was a fierce proponent of the featherie ball, while Morris preferred the gutta. Robertson even became the first person to break a score of 80 at the Old Course at St. Andrews, shooting a 79 with a feather ball. However, Morris, after leaving Robertson's shop, set up one of his own, a shop which still stands today overlooking the 18 th hole at St. Andrews.'

'Golf in the first half of the century was still largely an informal game: there was almost no distinction between amateurs and professionals, and matches were set up primarily to bet on, bets made between players and spectators. Some of the best early professionals only made about 7 to 17 shillings per week (which today would be about £20 to £50, or $31 to $77).'

'The organization of matches changed, however, with the advent of a new event in 1860: the Open Championship. Also called the British Open, the 36-hole tourney was played at Prestwick; its first champion was Willie Park. In 1873, the tournament site began rotating between Prestwick, St. Andrews and Musselburgh and in 1892, the Open Championship was extended to 72 holes (which is what it is today). The Open first began awarding money in 1864, giving £6 to the winner (worth £259 today, or $402).'

' Golf in America : '

'While golf thrived in the U.K. in the 1800s, and began to spread in the latter half of the century outside Britain's shores, golf in the U.S. was barely catching on. Golf had arrived, at best guess, at the tail end of the 18 th century, primarily in the northeastern United States. For the vast majority of the 19 th century, golf had a very difficult time gaining popularity in the U.S. The nation was busy first with building itself and its Civil War; when Americans did preoccupy themselves with sports, they turned primarily to horseracing, boxing and, in the second half of the century, Baseball . Golf, in fact, took hold in Canada before the U.S.; the first golf club on record in Canada was the Royal Montreal Golf Club, formed in November of 1873.'

'It would be fifteen years before the first golf course was built in the U.S. In February, 1888, a man named John Reid, a transplanted Scotsman, after ordering a set of golf clubs from Tom Morris back at St. Andrews, gathered together a small group of friends and set up three holes in a cow pasture in Yonkers, New York, the first recorded golf course in the United States. After playing through that summer, the group formed the St. Andrews Club of Yonkers in November, the first golf club in America. In 1889, a group of Englishmen in Kentucky established the Middlesboro Club there, and by 1894, there were nine more golf courses laid out in the U.S., with Chicago being the first site of a golf course off the East Coast and the country's first 18-hole course. Early on in American golf's history, Chicago became a key location: by 1900, there were 26 golf courses around Chicago alone.'

'Towards the very end of the 1800s, golf had increased in popularity in the U.S. to the point that many players began calling for an organizing body. In December 1894, delegates from golf clubs in Yonkers, Brookline (Massachusetts), Newport (Rhode Island), Southampton (New York) and Chicago met to form the Amateur Golf Association of the United States, later the U.S. Golf Assocation (USGA), with Theodore Havemeyer (of the Newport club) as its first president. Within a year, the association had organized the first national Open and Amateur Championships. At the first U.S. Open, first prize was $150 ($3,950 today), more than the British Open awarded that same year.'

' Stars of the Game : '

'At the turn of the century, golf continued to grow in popularity, and the game's brightest star was an Englishman by the name of Harry Vardon. Born in 1870 in Jersey, Vardon became the British game's greatest champion, winning the Open Championship six times between 1896 and 1914. No other player has ever won the British Open that many times. Vardon's rivals of the period were J.H. Taylor and James Braid, both of whom won five Open titles. (Since those three, only two other players have ever won more than four - Peter Thomson and Tom Watson.) Between 1894 and 1914, the 21 British Opens were won by one of the three 16 times. Vardon's influence, however, extended beyond the U.K. For one, he developed a new grip, slightly overlapping, now referred to as the Vardon grip. He came to the U.S. to tour, playing exhibitions as well as play in tournaments, winning the U.S. Open Championship on his first visit in 1900. Vardon, in his trips to the U.S., also made a significant impact on one of America's greatest golfers, Bobby Jones, influencing his style and swing. The Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) would later name an award after Vardon, the Vardon Trophy, given each year to the player on the PGA Tour with the lowest scoring average.'

'In the U.S., though Vardon was highly regarded, the big winner of the time was Willie Anderson, another transplanted Scotsman. Anderson, however, was not a highly regarded player; he was extremely introverted, rarely speaking, and as a result gained little popularity. Still, he could win - Anderson became the U.S. Open's first four-time winner, including a string of three straight titles from 1903 to 1905. No player has won more U.S. Opens in history (with three other players winning four) and no other player has ever won three in a row.'

' Francis Ouimet and the 1913 U.S. Open : '

'The 1913 U.S. Open Championship was played at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, one of the earliest American golf courses. Harry Vardon had come back to the U.S. again and entered the Open, expected by many to win. His primary competition was expected to come from friend and fellow Brit Ted Ray. No one saw Francis Ouimet coming.'

'Ouimet was a 20-year-old amateur and former caddy from Brookline when he entered the U.S. Open in 1913. Tied with the two British stars after the first three rounds of the tournament, Ouimet managed two birdies in his final six holes to finish tied for the lead at the end of the four rounds. A playoff was required, and Ouimet, much to the shock and delight of the crowd, ended the playoff round with a one-over-par 72, beating out Vardon and Ray. Ouimet's victory became national news, catapulting golf into even greater popularity. Ouimet would go on to win two Amateur Championships and a French Amateur Championship. He would also appear on the American team in the newly-created Walker Cup in 1922, a tournament between American and British teams played every other year. Ouimet would play on every Walker Cup team from 1922 to 1949, captaining the squad between 1936 and 1949. In 1951, he was named captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland, the first non-British person awarded that high honor.'

' The Amateur Game : '

'Both in Britain and the U.S., amateur golf was as highly regarded and popular in the 1800s and into the 1900s as professional golf. The Amateur Championships of Britain and America were extremely well attended and well thought-of events. In Britain, early amateur domination came in the form of John Ball, who won the British Amateur Championship eight times, three more than any other player has ever won. Interestingly, Ball never won twice in a row - all his victories came at least a year apart from each other. Ball also became the first to win both an Amateur and Open Championship, one of only three in history who have done so. Harold Hilton, another top amateur of the time, was the first to win both championships, winning two Opens and four Amateurs. He also became the first British player to win both the British and U.S. Amateur Championships.'

'In the U.S., the first amateur star was Walter Travis. The Australian who had moved to the U.S. as a child first won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1900 and would collect two more titles. Only three other players have ever won three or more U.S. Amateur Championships. He also became the first American player to win the British Amateur Open, capturing the 1904 title. Following Travis's success was Jerome Travers, who between 1907 and 1913 won four titles. Travers would also become one of the first Amateur winners to also win a U.S. Open.'

'The greatest amateur of the first half of the 1900s, however (and one of the greatest of all-time) was Bobby Jones. Of the seven U.S. Amateur Championships between 1924 and 1930, Jones won five of them; those five victories are also the most all-time in Amateur Championship history. His greatest feat, another unmatched in history, came in 1930. In that single year, Bobby Jones won the U.S. Open, the British Open, the U.S. Amateur Championship and the British Amateur Championship. That accomplishment was dubbed the "Grand Slam." No other player has ever completed a single-season Grand Slam, though five others have completed a career Grand Slam, winning all four majors in their career.'

' The Professional Game : '

'In 1916, as professional golf gained more ground in the U.S., players wanted an organizational body to govern the game: U.S. amateurs had the USGA and British players had the R&A (taking its name from the Royal and Ancient Club), so they wanted one of their own. That January , the Professional Golfer's Association of America was born. Seven months later, they established the first PGA Championship, played at a course in Bronxville, New York, with $2,500 awarded to the winner (equal to $50,000 today). '

'The earliest PGA star was undoubtedly Walter Hagen. While Bobby Jones dominated the amateur game in America, Hagen controlled the pro game. In his career, Hagen won 11 professional titles: the U.S. Open twice, the British Open four times and the PGA Championship five times. His five PGA Championship titles are the most all-time, along with Jack Nicklaus' five wins. Four of those victories came in a row, from 1924-27. No other golfer has ever won more than two in a row. Over his career, Hagen earned about $1 million in prize money, by far the most at the time (and equal to about $12.5 million today).'

' The Game Changes : '

'Bobby Jones' retirement in 1930 marked the beginning of a new era in golf. Steel-shafted golf clubs became the standard, and with the improved equipment, scores began lowering: shooting par generally wasn't good enough anymore. Crossover between the amateur and pro games began to end as well. After Jones' 1930 Open victory, only one other player (Johnny Goodman in 1933) won the U.S. Open as an amateur. Amateur success in pro tournaments (or lack thereof) was attributed to the much higher amounts of money coming into the game after 1930; as soon as an amateur player could compete on the pro level, they made the jump to professional. '

'The PGA Tour, which had been established in 1916 along with the PGA, began recognizing the money winner of each year's tour in 1934. That first season, Paul Runyan was the highest money winner, tallying seven wins and just over $6700 (equal to $107,000 today). That same season, the pro tour earned a profit of $135,000 ($2.16 million today). By 1949, under the leadership of Boston promoter Fred Corcoran, the tour earned a profit of $600 thousand, and raised that total to over $2 million in the '60s (today, those totals are equal to $5.4 million and $14.5 million, respectively).'

'The 1930s also saw the creation of a new tournament, the Masters (originally named the Augusta National Invitation Tournament). The first tourney was held in 1934, with Horton Smith its winner, and quickly became one of the premier golf events on the PGA Tour schedule. The creation of the Masters Tournament also ushered in the era of the modern majors. Originally, the majors (the four major golf tournaments of the year) were the British and U.S. Opens and Amateur Championships. With the rise of professional golf, the majors eventually became the U.S. and British Opens, the PGA Championship and the Masters.'

'The 1930s in golf, however, failed to produce a single dominant figure. While there were certainly star players, no one controlled the game like the figures before. From 1934 to 1939, no player won the money leader title more than once. It wasn't until 1940 and Ben Hogan that golf once again had a titan. Hogan, a Texan, won the money title five times in his career. He tallied four U.S. Open titles, won the Masters twice, the PGA Championship twice and won a single British Open, becoming only the second player (after Gene Sarazen) to win the career Grand Slam in the Masters era. He also won the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open in the same year, 1953, considered one of the greatest achievements in golf history.'

'Following World War II, another golfer hit the scene, challenging Hogan's dominance: Byron Nelson. Nelson became the first golfer on the PGA Tour to win more than 10 events in a single year, winning an astonishing 18 events in 1945 (an unmatched feat in history). He also became the first player to top $50,000 in winnings in a single year, earning over $63,000 in '45 (worth $751 thousand today). '

'One golfer of the era not remembered for singular dominance by rather for consistency was Sam Snead. Playing across four decades on the PGA Tour, Snead won three money titles, three PGA Championships, three Masters and a British Open, never able to capture a U.S. Open titles (though he was a runner-up five times, including losing a playoff in 1947). Snead's claim to fame, however, is his PGA Tour win total. Between his first victory on the Tour in 1936 and his last in 1965, Sam Snead won 82 Tour events, the most all-time. '

' Women's Golf : '

'Evidence from the history of golf says that women have been involved and interested in the game almost since its inception. The Royal and Ancient Club was founded in 1754 - within 60 years, women were on record as being active on the course. Within another sixty years, they had formed a club as well, the Ladies Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1867. In 1893, the Ladies Golf Union was formed, the governing body for women's golf in the U.K. and Ireland. In the U.S., women came to golf just about as early as men; just one year after John Reid set up the first golf course, he and his wife played another couple in mixed doubles, the first recorded mixed doubles match in the U.S. '

'As in men's golf, early domination of the sport belonged to Great Britain. However, by about the 1920s, American women had developed a greater affinity for the game. In 1932, The USGA and the Ladies Golf Union established the Curtis Cup Match, a competition between American and British teams held every two years. The first was held in England, with the Americans winning. Much like its male counterpart, the Walker Cup, early domination in the Curtis Cup belonged to the U.S.'

'Though women's golf has never achieved the same level of popularity as men's golf, it certainly has had its stars. Its first (and perhaps biggest) was Mildred Didrikson Zaharias, better known as Babe. Zaharias, widely considered perhaps the greatest female athlete of all time, did not excel solely in golf. As an 18-year-old, she entered a national track and field event in Illinois and won the team title - as the only member of her team. She entered eight of the 10 events, winning six of them (and placing 2 nd and 4 th in the other two) and set three world records. She went on to win two gold medals at the 1932 Olympics, and was disqualified from winning a third for diving over the bar in the high jump (something that had never been done before, and was later legalized). With her popularity skyrocketing, she went on a tour of the country, first as a vaudeville performer, later playing baseball, football, basketball, trying out skiing, boxing and fly-casting.'

'Though she started playing golf shortly after the Olympics, she decided to get serious about the game a few years later. It was during this period that she was paired with a professional wrestler at a tournament in 1938, George Zaharias. The two made an immediate connection and were married shortly afterward. However, as much as Babe's private life was enjoying success, her professional life was not - women's pro golf was not yet established, and the only two major tournaments were for amateurs (the National Women's Amateur Championship and the British Ladies' Championship). As a result, Zaharias applied for amateur status and, in 1944, the USGA approved it. As soon as World War II ended and those tournaments got started up again, Zaharias won them, winning the Women's Amateur Championship once, in '46 and the British Ladies' Championship once, in '47. By this time, women's pro golf was finally starting to come together.'

'There have been a number of major championships in women's golf throughout the years. The earliest is the Women's Western Open, which began play in 1930. The second was the Titleholder's Championship in 1937, the third the U.S. Women's Open in 1946. All three of these were retroactively named majors by the LPGA. The Ladies Professional Golfer's Association was formed in 1950 by a group of 13 golfers, one of whom was Babe Zaharias. Of the three majors formed during her career, Zaharias won all three, winning the Western Open four times, the Titleholders three times and the U.S. Open three times.'

'Sadly, she was stricken with cancer and died in 1956 at 42. '

' Arnie's Army Storms Golf : '

'The 1950s were another period without a clear dominating figure in men's golf. In the decade, no player (other than Sam Snead) captured the events winner title (awarded to the player who won the most events in the season) and no one won the money leader title more than once. Players like Hogan and Snead were nearing the end of their careers, no longer ruling the scene. Nelson had retired in the '40s. Golf's popularity was still on the rise; it was now entering television for the first time, as major tournaments appeared on TV on Saturdays and Sundays. The sport, however, needed a national figure, and at the end of the decade, one finally appeared.'

'Arnold Palmer, born in Pennsylvania in 1929, turned pro in 1954 after winning the U.S. Amateur Championship, and within three years captured the events winner title. A year later, in 1958, he won the money title. He would win three money titles in his career, as well as a U.S. Open title, a British Open title and four Masters titles, at the time the most in history. Palmer became the game's first superstar, attracting a horde of followers at each tournament nicknamed "Arnie's Army." He totaled 62 PGA Tour wins in his career, ranking 5 th all-time.'

' The Golden Bear and the Black Knight : '

'Palmer's fame was helped along by the presence of two significant rivals, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. Player was a South African who turned professional in 1953. He joined the PGA Tour in '57. Within two years, he already began to win. His first major championship victory came in 1959 at the Open Championship, the first of three British Open titles he would win. He won the PGA Championship twice and the Masters three times. He finally completed the career Grand Slam in 1965 when he won the U.S. Open (his only victory there). He is one of only eight golfers to have won the Masters three times or more. His last major victory came in 1978, at the Masters, when he stormed back from a 7-hole deficit after three rounds to win by a stroke. He was nicknamed "the Black Knight" because he famously wore all black while playing. Player, though considered a rival of Palmer, was considered more a rival of his contemporary, Jack Nicklaus.'

'Nicklaus, nicknamed "the Golden Bear" because of his build and hair color, would retire from professional golf considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time. During his career, he would eclipse all golfers that came before him by winning a total of 18 majors, a record that still stands today. His 73 PGA Tour wins rank him second on the all-time list. He turned pro in 1961, winning his first major (the U.S. Open) within a year. He won each major at least three times, becoming history's first three-time career Grand Slam holder. He won the U.S. Open four times, the British Open three times and the PGA Championship five times. His greatest success, however, came at the Masters. The six-time winner of the tournament (by far a tournament record) last won a major title at Augusta in 1986. The win came as a shock to the golf world, as Nicklaus had last won a major six years previous. However, the Golden Bear had enough magic left to capture the Green Jacket, an honorarium bestowed on each winner of the Masters, one last time.'

' Changing and Adding : '

'In 1968, the PGA Tour, which had, since its inception in 1916 been governed by the PGA of America, broke off, becoming its own organization. Initially, tournament players had formed their own group, the Association of Professional Golfers. They quickly abandoned this, forming the PGA Tournament Players Division, later simply named the PGA Tour. All the records of the PGA Tour prior to the split were carried over. In '72, Europe finally had its own official tour, the PGA European Tour, which comprised 15 different countries. Its all time leader in wins is Spaniard Seve Ballesteros (who also had success on the PGA Tour).'

'In 1974, a local board of directors in Pinehurst, North Carolina established the World Golf Hall of Fame, inaugurating their first class that year, comprised of Patty Berg, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Francis Ouimet, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Harry Vardon and Babe Zaharias. While the Hall of Fame was initially a local venture, it eventually came under the purview of the PGA, moving to St. Augustine, Florida in 1998 and continuing as world golf's official Hall of Fame.'

'That same year, 1974, a new tournament was established, one that would go on to be considered alongside the four majors. The Tournament Players Championship, later renamed simply The Players Championship, is played in Florida every year, dubbed by many "the Fifth Major" though it has never officially received that distinction. The Players Championship awards the highest prize money of any golf tournament; its first winner, Jack Nicklaus, received $50,000 out of a total purse of $250,000 ($217,000 and $1.09 million today). Nicklaus also holds the distinction of winning the tourney three times, the most in history.'

' The World's Number One : '

'With the official addition of the European Tour, and its subsequent legitimization among the world's top golfers, more and more golfers began splitting their time between the European and PGA Tours. Many golfers (non-Americans) would primarily play on the European Tour, then play in the major tournaments in the U.S. This led to a problem for the Royal and Ancient Club: their system of invitation to the British Open was now leaving out many top golfers because they split time between the tours. This led to the development of the World Golf Rankings. This system, endorsed by the four majors and the six top international golf tours, ranks the world's golfers on a points system, derived from their finishes in tournaments. The rankings were first released prior to the 1986 Masters Tournament - the top six were Bernhard Langer, Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Tom Watson, Mark O'Meara and Greg Norman. Interestingly, the top three were all European players - none of them ever finished as the money or wins leader on the PGA Tour. However, that first year, Greg Norman ended the year ranked number one, which he would do six more times in his career, a record when he retired. Only one other golfer would tally more year-end number ones than Norman…but we'll get to him later.'

'Between 1986 and 1997, Norman's last year at number one, there were only five players who finished the year at number one: Norman, Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, Nick Price and Nick Faldo. Of those five, only Faldo achieved that feat more than once. Norman dominated the world rankings, yet only won the money title on the PGA Tour three times in his career and only ever won titles in one major championship, winning the British Open twice. Other golfers of the era were big winners in the majors: Tom Watson won five British Opens, a U.S. Open, and two Masters, failing to capture the career Grand Slam by never winning the PGA Championship. Faldo won two Masters and three British Opens while Ballesteros accomplished the same feat, and Curtis Strange became the first player since Ben Hogan in the Fifties to win back-to-back U.S. Opens, winning in '88 and '89 (and no player has done so since). But on the horizon as the calendar turned to the late '90s was a player that would capture golf's attention and awards like almost no one else before.'

' Tiger : '

'Eldrick Woods was born in 1975 in California, and his father Earl had him playing golf from an incredibly early age - even appearing on a TV talk show to showcase his talents at the age of two. After attending Stanford University for two years and winning the U.S. Amateur Championship three times (including as the youngest ever, a record which stood until 2008), he turned pro in 1996. The man nicknamed "Tiger" immediately became a sensation, winning the 1997 Masters with a still-record low of -18. The son of an African-American man and a Thai woman, he also became the first non-white player ever to win at Augusta. He wouldn't stop there - Woods, at present, has captured a total of 14 major victories, second all-time to Nicklaus. With four Masters titles, three U.S. Open titles, three British Open titles and four PGA Championship titles, he is also the only person besides Nicklaus to have completed three career Grand Slams. In 2000-01, he also became the only person in history to hold all four majors titles simultaneously, winning the 2000 U.S. and British Opens and PGA Championship, followed by the 2001 Masters title. However, since he did not win them in the same year, it did not count as a single season Grand Slam. Still, he managed to best Bobby Jones in 2008 when he won his 14 th major, eclipsing Jones' 13. He also has 71 PGA Tour wins, 3 rd all time, only two behind Nicklaus and 11 behind Snead. At only 34, many believe he will someday beat Snead's record. Tiger also holds the record for most number one year-end rankings (with 11 as of 2009) and the record for most weeks at number one (with 615 straight weeks - 284 more than Greg Norman, who is second). Woods has also won more money than any other golfer in history, with his prize money as of 2010 totaling over $93 million.'

' Golf Today : '

'Tiger still dominates the fans' attention in golf, though due to injury and personal problems he has failed to win a major since 2008. TV ratings when Tiger is playing for a championship as opposed to when Tiger isn't are considerably higher. Still, the sport of golf in general is strong, attracting strong TV revenues and awarding higher and higher purses every year - for example, the Players Championship, the highest purse in golf, awarded the equivalent of $217,000 to the winner out of $1.09 million in its first year. The 2010 Players Championship gave its winner $1.71 million out of a $9.5 million purse. Golf is going strong. What remains to be seen is what will happen when Tiger finally retires, and whether a new figure can arise to capture the world's attention in the sport.'

' Resources : '

• ' Golf: Its History, People and Events by Will Grimsley'
• ' A History of Golf in Britain by Bernard Barwin (ISBN: 9780940889309)'
• ' Golf: Illustrated by Henry Cotton'
• ' The Story of American Golf: Its Champions and Championships by Herbert Warren Wind (ISBN: 9780394490205)'
• ' The History of the PGA Tour The History of the PGA Tour by Al Barkow (ISBN: 9780385261456)'
• ' Golf, The Greatest Game: The USGA Celebrates Golf in America by Arnold Palmer and John Updike (ISBN: 9780060171353)'

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A Brief Look at the Origins of Golf

Learn everything you need to know about the great history of golf.

Golf is a game with a long and varied history, with evidence of its existence as far back as the 15th century. Over the centuries it has evolved, becoming the beloved and popular sport that we know and recognize today, albeit with distinct influences from different parts of the world.

Let’s take a look at the fascinating and intriguing history of golf.

Origins of the Game

Golf is often believed to have originated from the game of “stick-and-ball” or “Gof”, which dates back to 14th century Scotland. The first recorded reference to golf in writing was found in 1457, which is believed to have originated from a royal edict by King James II of Scotland, who banned golfing as a distraction from practicing archery.

Although the origin of the game is uncertain, it is thought that the true origin of golf may have derived from a much older golf-like game called Konfusion. In Konfusion, players hit a stuffed leather ball with a club until it reached a hole in the ground. As the popularity of the game increased, the rules and regulations of it became increasingly formalised.

By 1754, golf was a recognized sport in Scotland, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club was formed in 1744. The club defined and standardised the rules of the game for golfers and came to be known as the ruling body of golf.

By the 19th century, golf had become an incredibly popular worldwide sport. The first international tournament was held in 1873 and eventually the British Open Championship was founded in 1860. The modern era of golf is often said to have begun in 1860, when the first set of rules were published by the R&A.

Middle Ages Development

The sport of golf is believed to have originated from Scotland in the Middle Ages. During this period, similar games were played in the Netherlands, China, and other areas of Europe. On March 6, 1457, King James II of Scotland issued a decree that outlawed the game of golf in an attempt to encourage his citizens to focus on archery practice instead. However, the game was so popular that in 1502, King James IV of Scotland repealed his predecessor's ban on the sport.

The first known reference to golf with “a golf” was in the year 1552. In the same year, Mary Queens of Scots was recorded playing golf at St Andrews Links. By the end of the 17th century, golf became popular throughout Scotland and was played to a standardised format, setting the stage for the future rules of the sport.

The modern game of golf is heavily based on the rules set down by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (now the Royal and Ancient Golf Club) in 1744, though the game has been modified over the years by the USGA and The R&A. The first Open Championship was held in 1860, leading to the development of professional golfers.

Beginnings of Professional Golf

Golf has a long and rather complicated history of professional leagues. The first organized professional golf event was a tournament at Blackheath Club in London, England in 1883. Later that same year, the British Professional Golfers Association (PGA) was formed.

In 1901, the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) was formed in New York City by a group of prominent players and golf club owners, including golf professional Walter Hagen. The PGA of America quickly became the standard-bearer of professional golf in the US, organizing and sanctioning individual tournaments.

Until the 1970s, professional golf was mainly the domain of elite British and American golfers. But the game began to reach new audiences and international fans in the late 20th century as foreign players began to enter the tournaments. The first golfing "superstar" from this era was Jack Nicklaus, who made his professional debut in 1962.

Today, professional golf is an international phenomenon. There are several major professional leagues, including the PGA Tour, the European Tour, and the Japan Golf Tour. Professional golf is one of the most lucrative sports in the world, with many players earning millions of dollars in prize money and endorsements.

Popularity in the U.S.

The modern game of golf has a long history in the United States and is one of the most popular recreational activities for Americans of all ages. The first professional golf tournament in the U.S. was held at the St. Andrews Golf Club in Yonkers, New York in 1888. This early tournament set the stage for the growth of the game, which really took off in the early 20th century.

By the 1920s, golf had become firmly entrenched in the American pastime, with professional tournaments still being held at clubs across the nation. Arnold Palmer, considered the father of modern golf, was among the first golfers to become decisively popular, earning national fame for his impressive victories in the late 1950s. Other golfers, such as Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus, helped solidify golf's popularity among sport lovers across the country.

The growing popularity of golf in the United States was aided by the creation and development of numerous golf courses during the post-World War II economic boom. By the 1960s, golf courses were often seen as luxury amenities for affluent suburban developments. As a result, golf has become more accessible to people of all social classes. This diversity in the sport has played a major role in helping it remain popular in America.

According to the National Golf Foundation, there are currently more than 15,000 golf courses spread across the United States, making golf one of the most easily accessible recreational activities for Americans. Despite recent declines in the number of golfers, the game continues to remain very popular in American society, especially with older generations.

Advances in Technology

Golf has come a long way since its first recorded game in 15th century Scotland. Equipment, facility, and even game play have all been improved through technological advances.

Golf clubs have evolved from simple wooden sticks to highly engineered equipment designed to provide optimal performance. Technology has also enabled golf course redesign and improved drainage, resulting in better putting surfaces and a more enjoyable playing experience. Technology has also seen improvements in golf training, with virtual golf simulations, GPS rangefinders, and even biomechanical analysis.

Technology has also improved the game of golf on a larger scale. Television coverage has seen golf become more accessible and increased interest in the game. Online communities have allowed an entire new generation of golfers to connect and share tips, advice, and stories. Technology tools have enabled golf leagues and tournaments to track players’ and teams’ progress and success.

Overall, advances in technology have greatly improved the game of golf. With new technological features, golfers can hope to improve their own game, as well as engaging with the greater golfing community around the world.

Expansion of the Game

By the 18th century, golf had firmly established itself as the world's most popular ball game and has since continued to expand both geographically and, more recently, beyond the traditional golf courses and putting greens. With the advent of miniature golf, disc golf and virtual golf, the game of golf has been played in a variety of different formats and venues.

Golf is a beloved game that is found on all continents, with professional and amateur tournaments occurring all over the world. Besides the golf courses and putting greens, miniature golf courses have proliferated in many countries and continue to draw in enthusiastic players. Similar to the traditional game of golf, miniature golf involves the use of a club to hit a small ball into a small hole, usually with obstacles laid out along the way.

Disc golf, another form of golf, is similar to miniature golf except that it uses a flying disc (frisbees) instead of a traditional golf ball. The game is often played in parks and urban areas, with baskets serving as the 'holes' for the player to shoot towards. It combines elements of golf, Frisbee and target-style games, making it a unique form of golf that is becoming more and more popular.

Virtual golf has also become popular, with video game-style simulations allowing players to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own home. This allows players to experience the strategy and the fun of golf without having to go outside. With the increasing popularity of virtual golf, the game of golf has become more accessible and exciting than ever before.

Present Day Golf

Present day golf is played on golf courses, typically consisting of a series of holes, each with a teeing ground, fairway, rough and other hazards, and a putting green surrounded by the edges of the course. A typical round of golf consists of playing 18 holes, although casual players may play fewer holes or varying numbers of holes depending on the circumstances. A golf course uses a teeing ground from which most shots are played. The length of a course is typically measured in a unit of measurement called a "hole", and for the convenience of scorekeeping, each hole is typically assigned a number. The course consists of either 9 or 18 "holes", a set number, and each hole is initially defined by placement of teeing boxes, generally an area of grass designed to be a flexible but accurate staging area for the initial shot or "drive", of each hole. A teeing box is a paved or otherwise improved area from which players take their initial shots.

Golf has evolved from a game of royalty to a more popular sport across the world. Its history span centuries, and its essence of leisure perhaps is what made it so popular. We've seen the game handled by different nations, each with its own techniques, championships, and innovations. Golf has captivated enthusiasts in many countries, making its future even brighter.

It's clear the history of golf is far-reaching and ever-changing. As technology advances, the history of golf will too, producing a thrilling experience to be enjoyed by all. The game has come a long way, and we may be just scratching the surface of what is yet to come. So mix in a dash of history with some modern golfing flair, create your own unique golfing adventure and go make some history!

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Origin Story: A Look Back at the History of Golf

According to the Collins Dictionary, “golf is a game in which you use long sticks called clubs to hit a small, hard ball into holes that are spread out over a large area of grassy land,” To be honest, it sounds easy enough and a lot of fun.

We know otherwise, though.

Peruse the internet, and you’ll find there are stacks of golfing articles on workouts, the best courses, and endless interview snippets with the pros. But after doing some careful research, I was surprised to find minimal information on the history of golf.

Being a history buff myself, I found it quite perplexing that we actually know very little about a game we love so much. So I’ve set out to change that and provide you, the reader, with a comprehensive history lesson on everything golf.

Let’s get started.

A Brief Introduction to Golf

When you take a look at the definition of golf, there are several variations. The Cambridge Dictionary, for example, defines golf as “a game played outside on the grass, in which each player tries to hit a small ball into a series of nine or 18 small holes, using a long, thin stick.” That sounds about right.

Where the game of golf was established turns out to be quite tricky, and the origins of the game are even tougher to document. There is some evidence suggesting the game of golf was first conceived in the Netherlands before being played in Scotland.

In the modern era, golf seemed to come out of nowhere and burst onto the sporting stage, gaining popularity through players such as Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus , and Tiger Woods in later years.

Not a lot is verified regarding the early golf courses; however, we know that links and seaside courses were the venue of choice in Scotland . Links courses would’ve been perfect back in the day because they offer tight cut grass, unlimited natural hazards, and required very little maintenance.

It wasn’t until much later on that we started playing on resort-style courses developed from moorland and parks. Fast-forward to today, and you can watch the pros teeing it up on beautifully manicured fairways and putting on greens that look like glass; they’re so smooth.

But although golf offers the chance to get out in the fresh air, exercise, and enjoy time with friends, it’s not for everyone. As we all know, golf can be incredibly frustrating, expensive, and can take years to hone your skills.

The Origins of Golf

One of the most heated debates among golf historians is the game’s origins. However, it’s commonly agreed upon that the game can be dated back to ancient Rome and the sport of Paganica.

Paganica required players to hit a small leather ball that was filled with feathers using a crooked stick made from wood. Historians believe that as the Romans increasingly dominated Europe, the game gradually gained exposure in other countries sometime in the 1st century before morphing into the game we know today.

Another belief is the origins of the game can be traced to China as far back as the Ming Dynasty, which ruled from 1368 to 1644. Here the game was cited as “a sport where you walk and strike a small ball with a stick; ” as you can see, not a lot has changed. The game is then thought to have spread to parts of Europe via the silk road in the middle ages.

Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, there is limited documentation on both these theories, leaving the game’s origins up in the air and still requiring deeper research and investigation.

The French also played a similar game to modern-day golf called “ chambot,” which historians believe may have been associated with hurling, a sport played in Ireland, or even the Scottish game of “Shinty.” Chambot was exported throughout the low countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, before making its way to England, where the game was referred to as “pall-mall.”

In 1819 William Ousley, an English traveler, asserted that the game of golf could find its origins in Persia, where they played a sport called “chaugàn,” the progenitor of what we know as Polo.

In subsequent years, historians believed the game may also derive from another French sport called “ chicane .” The rules and definitions were similar to golf and required players to hit a ball to the steps of a local church or garden in the least amount of strikes. You can also find references to Chicane in the novels authored by Charles Deuilin, where it was dubbed Chloe .

The dutch also played a game called Kolf . Van Hengel, a golf historian from the Netherlands, considers “kolf” to be an even earlier interpretation of the game. Kolf can be traced back to 1297, when the villagers of Loenen played the sport to celebrate the capture of the Count of Holland. But again, documentation is limited at best, leading many historians to dispute Van Hengel’s claim.

As best as historians can tell, golf as we know it probably came into existence sometime around the 1500s and may have been devised in a similar manner to domesticated sports like soccer or football. For example, early iterations of soccer saw the size of the pitch drastically reduced, which placed more emphasis on skill rather than physical prowess.

Norbert Elias, a sociologist from Germany, views golf’s existence as the result of “natural process” in which civilizations evolve and create new games and sports along the way.

Earliest Golfing Associations

One anecdote passed down through the generations is the founding of the historic Blackheath Golf Club, thought to have been established in 1608 by James I. Evidence suggests that King James undoubtedly played golf in the outskirts surrounding Blackheath. Still, it’s questionable whether a designated golfing organization actually existed.

Author of the Chronicle of Blackheath Golfers, W.E. Hughes, dates the founding of Blackheath as 1787, one hundred and seventy-nine years later than initially thought.

The oldest known golf club with indisputable documentation is the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. A group of gentlemen persuaded the local council to offer a “silver club” for a tournament in Leith annually. The world-renowned Muirfield, which has held several British Opens, is now the Honorable Club’s modern-day base.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, or the R&A, as most of us know it, was founded by a group of twenty-two golfers in 1754. After establishing the association, the men devised rules and regulations strikingly similar to the Edinburgh Golf Club.

The R&A and The Edinburgh Golf Club both played significant roles in the expansion of the game throughout Scotland. The R&A later took control of major tournaments and, in 1919, was regarded as the National Governing Body for golf in Britain and the majority of the Commonwealth.

In 1779 an advertisement was published in a New York magazine that was obviously targeted towards golfers. The ad read, ” TO GOLFERS: The Season for this agreeable and wholesome activity is soon advancing. Gentlemen may be equipped with exceptional clubs and balls by enquiring with the printer.”

In 1793 the Almanac of South Carolina and Georgia ran an advertisement stating that “a golf club has been founded.” The Charleston City Gazette also declared that in 1788 the delightful and refined game of Kolf was here.” However, several historians believe that the later ad could be referring to the game of kolf mentioned earlier and not the modern-day version of golf.

Golf in the United States

When it comes to the founding of golf in America, one man stands as its architect, a trailblazer named John Reid. In 1888 he founded the St Andrews Golf Club in Yonkers, NY. Subsequently, Reid is now recognized as golf’s founding father in the U.S.

A fascinating story that came about after Reid learned his best friend and fellow countryman was heading back to Scotland on business. Reid asked his friend to return with golf clubs and some balls. In 1888 after his friend returned, Reid and another man John Upham tested the equipment on a three-hole course they had designed.

Later that fall, a group of gentlemen founded a club and moved from their three-hole course to one situated on an apple farm. Stories suggest they hung their jackets and whiskey on the branches of an apple tree, which is where their name “apple tree gang” arises. The men made one final move to Mount Hope, NY, where the club still exists today.

The Rhode Island Course was also founded in 1890, followed by the famous Shinnecock Hils in 1891. The Chicago Golf Club was also established in 1889 in Wheaton, a small spot in Illinois. A fun fact is the first recorded matchplay event took place in 1894 when the gentlemen from Shinnecock took on the men of the Tuxedo Golf Club.

In 1894 the Newport Golf Club hosted the first invitational, and later in the same year, the St Andrews Golf Club in N.Y. did likewise. Controversy followed as the events were billed as Championships although they were invitation only. Following the dispute, the United States Golf Association [USGA] was established in 1894.

The organization planned to organize top-tier events for the best amateur golfers in the nation. The U.S. Amateur and The Open Championships soon came to fruition. Inaugural board members included two men from each of the following clubs; St Andrews, Shinnecock Hills, The Chicago Golf Club, and Newport.

International Associations

Well before clubs had been founded in the US, British merchants and emissaries took the game of golf with them internationally. In 1829 the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in India was founded, and less than 12 years later, the Bombay Golf Club was also established.

In 1890 the first golf club popped up in Thailand. The Royal Bangkok Golf Club remarkably used a 1000-year-old temple as its base. Not too far away, the Chinese also saw their first introduction to golf with the founding of the Shanghai Golf Club in 1896.

Japan, a nation of golf fanatics and home to the second most golf courses globally had its first course established in Kobe. The Tokyo Golf Club followed a few years later, in 1914. After the Second World War, the game in Japan was booming. However, golf became too expensive due to the lack of land and was only played by the wealthy.

In my native Australia, my home city of Adelaide established the first club in 1870, known as the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. A fun fact is that the club consistently features in the top 100 courses globally.

Golf was also played in Melbourne a few years earlier, in 1847, but was suspended because most men prioritized the Gold Rush over golf; I can’t blame them. In nearby New Zealand, The Christchurch Golf Club was founded in 1873

South Africa

The South Africans were introduced to golf quite early, founding a club in Natal in 1884 called Maritzburg Golf Club. The Royal Cape Golf Club was established the following year in 1885 and is recognized as South Africa’s home of golf.

France lays claim to having the first golf course established in Europe when in 1856, a course was developed in Pau. The members of the club were Scots who resided at the base of the Pyrenees. In 1913 the Count of Gallifet was the first Frenchman to become a member when the club accepted his application.

In 1888 the celebrated and scenic Biarritz Golf club was born and was quickly followed by Cannes Golf Club two years later in 1891. The club was established by a member of the Russian Royal Family and the King of Cannes. In 1912 the French Golf Association was officially formed.

The German’s first foray into golf was their exposure to affluent British travelers who played the game at posh Spas and Resorts dotted throughout the country. Germany’s first club, The Berlin Golf Club, was founded in 1895 and was managed by the Association of Anglo-Saxons. In Hamburg, in 1907, the German Golf Federation was founded.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle designed neighboring Switzerland’s first golf course in 1895. Its thought that Sir Doyle was frequently aggravated because the cows were continually chewing on the flag pins.

Competition and Tournament Play

Great Britain and the United States Of America were the first two nations to compete against one another officially in 1922. The amateur competition was called the Walker Cup and is still played today. The Ryder Cup was first played in 1927 and is the professional version of the Walker Cup. The Curtis Cup, the women’s team event, was established in 1932.

The U.S. team proved to be dominant in the early years of the Ryder Cup, consistently outplaying the British team. However, in 1979 the governing bodies decided to change the format and, for the first time, allowed the British team to include members from Europe. The format change was a major success. Since the change in 1979, both teams have been pretty evenly split, with the U.S. team winning on six occasions and the European Team four times, with one tie in between.

With the advent of jet technology, global tours became the norm, opening play in the U.S. to international players who were previously isolated in their home countries or region. Players like Greg Norman from Australia, Gary Player of South Africa, and Seve Ballesteros of Spain were all making names for themselves on the PGA Tour, which was regarded as the pinnacle of golfing competition.

In 1971, The European PGA Tour was launched and since then has grown to become a force in the world of golf. The best players compete week in week out with millions of dollars up for grabs. Golf is now an international game, with major and minor tours on nearly every continent; the game is in a good place and looks set to see continued growth.

Golf was first included in the 1990 Paris Olympics, with the men competing over 36 holes while the ladies went for gold over just nine holes. In 1904 at the St Louis Olympics, the women’s event was dropped with a new men’s team event replacing it. However, that was also short-lived and was subsequently dropped for the next Olympics.

It wasn’t until the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro that golf was reinstated to the roster with a traditional stroke play event held over 72 holes.

Seniors Tour

The Seniors Tour, or the Champions Tour as it’s now known, was first established in the early to mid-80s. With age eligibility of over 50, the tour aimed to give players of past fame the opportunity for an extended career. The tour proved to be incredibly popular with the likes of the Golden Bear, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Gary Player once again competing against each other.

Crowds flocked to see their favorite players from the past and were amazed at just how high the level of play was. Since then, the Champions Tour has gone from strength to strength, with players regularly competing for millions of dollars each season.

As early as the 1920s, women were competing in golf tournaments, primarily in the United States and Britain. Players like Glenna Collet and Joyce Wethered were trailblazers and led the way for the other women to play what was, up until then, a male-dominated sport.

In 1944 the WPGA, or the Women’s Professional Golf Association, was officially launched, with top-tier players quickly emerging. Players such as Louise Sluggs, Patty Berg, and the legendary Mildred Zaharias all joined the tour; however, the tour disbanded in 1949.

In 1950 many of the same players mentioned above got together to form what we now call the Ladies Professional Golf Association or the LPGA. In the early days, prize money was so limited that the ladies undertook many of the procedural and maintenance tasks themselves. But with perseverance, sponsors stepped forward, and soon the ladies were competing for thousands of dollars.

In the 1980s and 90s, the LPGA saw continued growth on the backs of star players like Julie Inkster and the Brit, Laura Davies. Instead of playing for thousands in prize money as their predecessors had, players were teeing it up with the chance of winning millions each season.

Fast forward to the 2000s when the game saw three of the most dominant female players of all time. The Australian Karrie Webb, along with Sweden’s Annika Sorenstron and the South Korean, Pak Se Ri, took the game to a new level. With it, millions of young girls worldwide now have the dream of becoming professional golfers.

Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes. These athletes have combined to win more than ten international events. He holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the former Head Advisor to the Japanese Government Sports Institute. He was the former Manager & Head Coach to Tennis Australia and was a Dunlop International Advisory Board member for eight years. His expertise is in Goal Setting, Health & Nutrition, Internal and External Motivation, Technical Analysis, and Program Design and Delivery. Brenton currently consults with several professional athletes and clients from varying backgrounds and sports.

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A brief history of golf: the origins evolution of the game.

• Golf-like games have also been traced back to China during the Song Dynasty from 960 to 1279.
• The Dutch used to play a game that consisted of using sticks to hit a leather ball toward a target placed a few hundred yards away. The player who reached the target with the fewest shots won the game.
• The roots of modern golf can be traced to Scotland during the mid-1400s as well.

Scottish Influence

As mentioned before, there is evidence of several stick and ball games throughout time. However, Scotland is responsible for the modern version of golf played today. The Scottish sport of golf had a characteristic that set it apart from comparable sports throughout history: the hole. This version of the game can be traced back to the mid-1400s in Scotland.

Golf was originally cited in an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 1457, which prohibited the sport along with soccer. King James II of Scotland banned these pastimes because he thought they distracted from military training. King James believed developing archery skills would be a more advantageous sporting activity. Restrictions on golf were eventually removed with the Treaty of Glasgow in 1502, but not before several more bannings.

The Scots are very proud of the heritage of golf they possess. Scotland boasts many old courses that are still visited and played to this day. The country still plays a role in the continuing story of the game as well.

Developing Rules for the Game

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is one of the world’s oldest golf institutions. They founded the first known rules of golf in 1744 by publishing a book of 13 articles called “Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf.” This is the oldest set of rules for the game that we know of.

The rules were embraced with very few changes in 1754 by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, which would eventually become the governing body for golf in England. The ancient book of rules, an undeniably important piece of golf history, remains in the National Library of Scotland.

Golf Spreads Across the Globe

Scottish expatriates, military, and immigrants spread golf all over Britain during the 18th century. Yet, golf didn’t obtain its international presence until the 19th century. The earliest known golf courses outside of England were in neighboring France, where the Royal Calcutta Golf Club was established. By 1880, golf had expanded into Ireland, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa.

Golf continued to advance in popularity on the British Isles. In the late 1800s, Britain was home to just 10 golf courses. That number quickly expanded to 1000 golf courses by 1914. In 1860, the inaugural British Open took place and is still a tournament played today. The fame of golf then began to spread to the new world.

Golf in America

There is information that implies that golf was played in America during the 18th century. The earliest recorded knowledge of golf in America comes from documentation regarding a shipment of golf equipment to Charleston, South Carolina in 1739. This cargo supported the establishment of the South Carolina Golf Club in 1787. Despite this, no real traction was gained in America until the early 19th century.

In 1894, the United States Golf Association was founded and became representative for golf in the U.S., which by 1910 was home to 267 golf associations. The administrative agency of the game started as the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1894. In 1916, the Professional Golf Association of America was founded and is still the governing body of the sport in the States today.

The moniker of the pro circuit was changed to the Tournament Players Association (TPA) Tour in the ’80s, but shortly after it was changed again to its current name: the Professional Golfers Association or the PGA Tour. Golf has been increasing in fame ever since and has become a popular spectator sport.

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March 26, 2019

The History of Golf (Infographic)

The History of Golf

While ball and stick games have been around throughout most of human history, golf as we know it originated in the 15th century. Since then, kings have banned it, Mary, Queen of Scots was the first known woman to play, and Tiger Woods took the throne as the best golfer of our time. Tee up for a brief history of golf!

15th Century

The Scottish transform the game of chole into the earliest form of golf.  [1]

During war with England, James II of Scotland bans golf to focus on archery training.  [2]

16th Century

The ban on golf is lifted after Scotland and England sign the Treaty of Perpetual Peace.  [3]

James IV of Scotland makes the first recorded golf club purchase.  [3]

Mary, Queen of Scots, earns the title of first female golfer.  [4]

17th Century

The featherie ball is invented and becomes the standard golf ball of the time.  [5]

The sport makes its way to the United States and is banned on the streets of Albany, NY.  [6]

18th Century

The oldest surviving golf rule book, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers  ,  is written.  [7]

The first golf club, St. Andrews, opens in Scotland.  [8]

19th Century

The guttie, a much cheaper version of a golf ball, replaces the featherie as the standard.  [5]

The Ladies’ Golf Union of Great Britain and Ireland is founded.  [9]

20th Century

The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) is established.  [10]

Open championship games are suspended during WWI.  [11]

Walter Hagen becomes the first American to win The Open Championship.  [12]

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is founded.  [13]

21st Century

Tiger Woods wins all four major championships at one time.  [14]

From kings of countries to kings of the course, golf has an extensive and rich history, and it has become part of the cultural fabric of countries around the world. Share this information with your students for a “tap in” lesson.

1. golf-information.info

2. digital.nls.uk

3. golfdigest.com

4, 10. britannica.com

5. golfsupport.com

6. pebblebeach.com

7. dailyhistory.org

8, 9. scottishgolfhistory.org

11. usopen.com

12. golfhistorytoday.com

13. lpga.com

14. pga.com

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MODERNIZING GOLF'S RULES A Brief History of Revisions to the Rules of Golf: 1744 to Present March 1, 2017

Modernizing Golf's Rules: Home

While golf has been played for more than 600 years, the earliest known written rules for the game date from 1744. This early code of “Articles & Laws in Playing at Golf” (known today as the “13 Articles”) was drafted by The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith (later known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) for a single day of competition on the Leith links. Still, the principles represented in these 13 rules fundamentally describe the same sport that is played around the world today.

Although the Rules of Golf serve to define and preserve the essential challenge and character of a game rich in history, they were not decided centuries ago and then simply preserved ever since. On the contrary, continuous evolution in the rules is one of the game’s central traditions. While the core principles of the sport have endured through the centuries, their outcomes and the procedures for applying them have undergone regular change.

Much of the time, the Rules of Golf have changed in response to the seemingly infinite variety of unforeseen or unique circumstances that keep arising in a sport played outdoors in a natural setting. Reasons for rule change have included the evolution of course design, maintenance and agronomics; innovation in clubs, balls and other player equipment; and the expansion and diversification in the landscapes where golf is played. More generally, the Rules of Golf Committees have often made changes after listening to passionate debates among golfers about whether particular outcomes or procedures are fair or appropriate.

Less frequent, but highly significant, have been the efforts to step back and review the overall philosophy, structure and presentation of the Rules of Golf. Such efforts have periodically led to revisions of a larger scope, as happened in 1899, 1934, 1952 and 1984 – and is happening now. Such fundamental reviews have been driven by larger concerns, such as a desire to make the rules easier to read and use; to address perceived complexity, inconsistency or unfairness in outcomes and procedures; to reinforce and reinvigorate golf’s fundamental principles; and to make sure the rules will work for everyone who plays the game.

These periodic fundamental reviews and their underlying motivations provide a useful framework for understanding how the Rules of Golf have developed and the context of the current Rules Modernization initiative. This paper examines this history by looking at five eras: 1744-1899, 1899-1934, 1934-1952, 1952-1984, and 1984-present.

Defining a Game: 1744-1899

The 13 Articles of 1744 was the first of several early efforts to record the Rules of Golf and bring structure to a game that was already several hundred years old. Such rulemaking activity began in Scotland in the mid-18th century with the formation of golfing societies, such as the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith and the Society of St. Andrews Golfers (later known as The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews), that had competitions where clear rules of play were needed for members.

During the next 100 years, individual codes were adopted by more than 30 different clubs. Many of these copied or borrowed liberally from the 13 Articles, but with modifications to reflect the particular conditions and rules issues found on their own courses. Many of the basic concepts reflected in these codes are, in some form, still seen in the game today, such as:

• The rule for an unplayable lie and the recognition of stroke play as a form of play in addition to match play (1759 St. Andrews).
• The rules on outside agencies and plugged balls (1773 Edinburgh Burgess).
• The concept of “ground under repair” and the first clear reference that a ball “must be played where it lies” (1775 Gentlemen Golfers).
• The limited search time for a lost ball, and the definition of a stroke (1783 Aberdeen).
• The terms “putting green” and “bunker,” as these elements emerged as distinct features on a golf course (1812 St. Andrews).
• Defining a match as consisting of 18 holes (1842 St. Andrews).

Although these codes developed and reinforced the game’s core principles and concepts, there was considerable divergence and ongoing change in their outcomes and procedures. For example, there were various procedures for how to put a ball back into play when taking relief (with penalty) for a ball in a water hazard:

• Throw the ball at least six yards behind the hazard (1754 St. Andrews).
• Throw the ball over the head (with no provision on how far) (1776 Bruntsfield Links).
• Tee the ball and play it from behind the hazard (1812 St. Andrews).
• Face the hole and drop the ball over the head (1809 Honourable Company).
• Drop the ball over the shoulder (1825 Perth).

As another example, there were different procedures and outcomes for what happens when a player has played the opponent’s ball (that is, played a wrong ball):

• The opponent plays the ball as it lies and there is no penalty (1828 Blackheath).
• The opponent has the option to claim the stroke or to replace the ball within one yard of its original location and play on (1815 Aberdeen).
• The player loses the hole (1812 St. Andrews).

Having so many different codes served to allow for experimentation as the rules developed for a game played on fields that were neither regulated nor standardized. But the lack of a common set of rules later became a serious problem:

• As golf expanded beyond its origins in Scotland to other locations in Britain and to places such as India, Canada, Australia and the United States, new clubs needed to adopt their own rules to address types of course conditions and situations not covered in the earliest codes.
• The late 19th century was marked by extraordinary innovation in the design of and materials used in golf balls and golf clubs, leading to disputes about what equipment was acceptable for playing the game and highlighting the need for common standards.
• The increasing frequency with which golfers from different clubs played with and against one another led to confusion and controversy about which rules applied and drove the need for consolidation of the disparate codes.

As debate intensified about the need for a common set of rules, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (referred to as “The R&A” in the rest of this paper as the club’s rule-making responsibilities were transferred to The R&A in 2004) formed a special committee to undertake a major revision of its code. The resulting R&A code of September 1891 was soon widely followed, and several years later The R&A became acknowledged as the rulemaking authority. In 1897, The R&A established its Rules of Golf Committee, leading to the first-ever consolidated code in 1899. This code also had important new provisions, such as a one-stroke penalty (in stroke play only) if a ball was played from within 20 yards of the hole without the flagstick having been removed and the first definition of “out of bounds” (followed three years later by the first rule allowing the play of a provisional ball).

The other significant development of the time was the founding of the United States Golf Association in 1894. Its original By-Laws stated that USGA competitions would be played under the Rules of Golf as written by The R&A, but “with such modification as the [USGA] Executive Committee may from time to time adopt.” A USGA Rules of Golf Committee was established and soon began to provide its interpretations of the rules, and eventually the USGA’s own code began to diverge from The R&A Rules of Golf in significant ways.

Decisions and Interpretations: 1899-1934

The global expansion and growth of golf continued unabated in the early decades of the 20 th century, causing new rules situations to arise at an increasing rate. A regular stream of requests for rulings, interpretations, and modifications quickly became a reality. The USGA and R&A recognized that guidance was needed to help golfers understand and apply the rules.

For example, in 1897 the USGA began to provide informal interpretations of each R&A rule to serve as clarification for American golfers. Some of these merely defined terms that were unfamiliar to some American golfers (such as single, foursomes, partners, competitors, match play, medal play and opponent) or specified penalties that were not explicitly stated in The R&A code. But other interpretations had a more substantive effect. For example, in commenting on the rule against pressing down or removing irregularities in the turf “near the ball,” the USGA defined this as “within a club length” and stated that “pressing down the surface near the ball by prolonged or forcible soling of the club shall be deemed a breach.”

Reflecting its own efforts to respond to queries from golfers and clubs, The R&A began recording its answers in a single “book of decisions,” and in 1908 it published its first official “decisions book.” Similar publications of decisions followed on a regular basis, and the USGA began doing the same in 1927. These decisions interpreting the rules became an increasingly important part of the rulemaking process and often, in effect, modified the rules, such as by recognizing new exceptions or dealing with circumstances not covered in the rules codes. 

The need to issue many decisions made it clear to the new governing bodies that the Rules of Golf would need regular review and revision. Four revised codes were issued in the first decade alone, with the 1909 code being a particularly thorough revision. The changes in that code were primarily made to incorporate, where practical, elements from more than 230 decisions from the past decade. The 1909 code also broke new ground by adding headings to each section to help the reader, as well as by adding detailed clarifications to many Rules.

The first part of the 20 th century was also notable for the emerging debate (which continues to this day) about whether the Rules of Golf should be focused on general principles or be written in the form of detailed restrictions and requirements intended to provide clarity and produce equity. Traditionalists argued that trying to maintain “fair” circumstances between golfers removed the natural drama of the game, that the rules no longer translated the spirit of the game to golf’s newcomers, and that someone playing golf “from a long practical acquaintance” against one with “perfect literal knowledge” of the Rules of Golf would be playing two very different games. But the rules were becoming strongly influenced by the concept of equity and the desire for clarity, and they became more detailed and prescriptive as time went on.

The Rules of Golf continued to evolve in other ways over the next couple of decades. There was a particular focus on responding to major equipment innovations, such as the rubber core ball, the Schenectady putter, deep groove irons, steel shafts and concave irons. On these issues as well as certain issues under the playing rules, the two rulemaking bodies began more often to take different views, at least for some periods of time.

Questions about the Rules and proposals for change also continued to increase from other places around the world where golf was played. To address this, in the late 1920s The R&A revised its rulemaking processes to include a Joint Advisory Council consisting of the golf unions of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales; the Ladies’ Golf Union; and the golf associations of Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Council provided general suggestions and specific proposed changes for review by The R&A’s Rules of Golf Committee, which helped lead to a major revision to the R&A and USGA codes in 1934. There were no major changes in outcomes or procedures, but the Rules of Golf were reorganized and rewritten to clarify the meaning of the rules and the definitional elements of the game.

Recognizing the Need for a Uniform Set of Rules: 1934-1952

The 1934 revisions did not end the push for reform, and several key changes were made by one or both of the rulemaking bodies during the 1930s. In particular:

• After many years of controversy that arose when some players began to use as many as 30 or more specialized clubs in a round, in 1938 the USGA adopted a 14-club limit; The R&A followed suit one year later.
• Also in 1938, after long debate about the fairness of the historic concept of the stymie in match play, the USGA modified the stymie rule by allowing the lifting of the ball that created the stymie if it was within six inches of the hole; The R&A made no change, and this was reconciled only in 1952 when the stymie was eliminated.

Rulemaking activities largely ground to a halt during World War II, but soon thereafter each rulemaking body separately made extensive – and very different – changes to the Rules of Golf. In its 1946 code, the USGA revised and reordered the rule book and made various rule changes, such as adopting a distance-only (no penalty stroke) penalty for a ball that ended up out of bounds. Four years later, The R&A issued a new code (on a two-year experimental basis) that restructured the Rules of Golf in an entirely different way than the USGA and, among other things, applied the distance-only penalty to any ball that was lost, out of bounds or unplayable.

These and other major departures from prior codes, combined with the fact that the two sets of rules differed so much, caused considerable discussion and controversy within the game. This was resolved when The R&A and USGA came together to issue the first truly unified code as of January 1, 1952. The rule book was completely reorganized (including covering  match play and stroke play in one set of Rules rather than in separate parts), and dozens of differences between the USGA and R&A codes were reconciled. Although the new code reverted to the traditional stroke-and-distance penalties, it adopted many other important changes, such as:

• Eliminating the stymie rule entirely,
• Expanding the circumstances in which a lifted ball was allowed to be cleaned, and
• Recognizing the concept of a lateral water hazard where relief could be taken within two club-lengths of where the ball entered the hazard.

Continuing to Pursue Uniformity: 1952-1984

Soon after issuing the new joint code, the USGA and The R&A began work on a revised code, which went into effect January 1, 1954; a further revision then followed in 1956. Most of these changes simply altered words and phrases to facilitate uniformity throughout the English-speaking world, while other changes were in response to the now familiar process of inquiries and suggestions from individual golfers, clubs and officials around the world. The frequency of these code revisions led to debate about how to balance the need for regular updates to ensure uniformity against the problem of having too frequent revisions that could create confusion. In 1960, it was agreed that a four-year revision cycle would be used going forward, and this has been done since then (with occasional deviations).

The late 1950s and the 1960s were a particularly active period of change, as The R&A and USGA – sometimes separately and sometimes together – adopted a number of significant changes (and then in some cases later withdrew them). For example:

• The 1956 code eliminated the penalty for a ball hitting an unattended flagstick in the hole when played from the putting green (but by 1968, both rulemaking bodies had agreed to restore the penalty).
• Reflecting evolving views within the game as the surfaces of putting greens became more uniform and consistent, the 1960 code included the major change of allowing players to mark, lift, clean and replace a ball on the green. 
• In a continued effort to find alternatives to the need to take stroke and distance relief, the 1960 USGA code adopted a distance-only penalty for balls lost or out of bounds and eliminated the provisional ball (but these experiments ended a year later).
• Seeking to speed up play, the 1968 code introduced a new rule allowing a player to clean a ball on the putting green only once (before the first putt); and, in stroke play only, requiring the player to putt continuously until the ball was holed (but these changes proved impractical and unpopular, and were revoked in 1970).
• The 1968 code also prohibited use of a “croquet-style” stroke on the green and adopted the first general restriction on using artificial devices to assist a player in his or her play.

The 1968 code also reconciled the remaining significant differences in the playing rules, and the USGA and R&A codes have been essentially identical ever since.

The next major development happened in 1980, when the USGA and The R&A began a project to reorganize the rule book to make it more logical and intuitive. This resulted in the Reorganised Rules of Golf , a draft of which was widely distributed to golf associations and individual golfers for review. The new code was issued in 1984 using this reorganized structure and a revised writing style, and with various other revisions such as:

• Requiring a player to drop a ball by standing erect and holding the ball at arm’s length and shoulder height, rather than by facing the hole, standing erect and dropping it over his or her shoulder.
• Expanding the prohibition on making practice strokes between the play of two holes, so that a player was no longer allowed to play full practice shots from the side of the next tee while waiting to play.
• Setting a specific (10 seconds) limit for a ball overhanging the hole to fall into the hole.
• Eliminating relief without penalty from an immovable obstruction or burrowing animal hole in a water hazard.

One other highly significant change that same year was the publication of the first-ever uniform decisions book. Before then, The R&A and USGA had each published a separate book of decisions (which sometimes differed). The new joint decisions book was also organized in a more helpful way, rather than the previous style of having individual decisions appear in chronological order within each rule. Since that time, the decisions book has become an even more important part of the rulemaking process.

Responding to Rapid Developments: 1984-present

Since 1984, the volume of inquiries about the Rules of Golf has continued to be high. The four-year revision cycle has resulted in a substantial number of changes being made in each new edition of the Rules. At least as significant has been the amount of activity in revising the Decisions on the Rules of Golf every two years. The number of decisions increased substantially from 933 in 1985 to 1,275 in 2012, and has remained at about that level since then.  

Although the 1984 revision was the last fundamental revision until the current Rules Modernization initiative, in the past two decades new and modified rules and interpretations have been made in many different areas, such as:

• An exception to Rule 13-4 was created in 1992 so that there is no penalty if a player touches the ground or loose impediments in a hazard when falling or to prevent a fall; this was one of many recent changes made to Rule 13-4 for practical reasons.
• The 2000 code prohibited a caddie from standing on a line behind the player while the stroke is being made.
• In 2008, the definition of prohibited “advice” was revised to exclude information on distance, so that players would be allowed to share distance information with each other or obtain it from others without penalty.
• In 2008, the penalty for a player (or his or her caddie, partner or equipment) accidentally deflecting his or her ball in motion was reduced to one-stroke, whereas before it was the general penalty (loss of hole in match play, two strokes in stroke play).
• The 2016 edition adopted new Rule 14-1b, which prohibits use of anchored strokes.

Other changes during this period can be seen as reflecting the need to deal with a wide range of contemporary issues, such as pace of play, environmental stewardship and developments in technology:

• Rule 6-7 was revised in 1996 to address a growing concern about pace of play; Committees were authorized to establish pace-of-play guidelines and enforce them by applying penalty strokes.
• A number of important Local Rules were authorized, such as allowing Committees to designate environmentally sensitive areas where play is prohibited (1996) and allowing use of distance-measuring devices (by decision in 2006 and rule change in 2008).
• The question of who or what caused a ball at rest to move, which has become even more difficult in televised golf because of high definition video, was addressed in several Rule changes, such as the 2004 elimination of Rule 18-2c (which had presumed the player was the cause if the ball moved after the player moved a loose impediment within a club-length of the ball); the 2012 recognition of a “known or virtually certain” exception to Rule 18-2b (which had presumed the player was the cause if the ball moved after the player addressed it); and the 2016 elimination of Rule 18-2b.
• The effects of video review were also addressed through Decision 18/4 (issued in 2014), which applies a “naked eye” test to decide whether a ball has moved.
• In 2016, a new exception to Rule 6-6d was established, so that a player is not disqualified for returning a score card with a lower than actual score for a hole if the reason was that the player did not include a penalty he or she did not know about; instead, the player’s score is revised to include that penalty, plus an additional two-stroke penalty.

As this historical review shows, a continuing need for definition, clarity and revision has informed nearly three centuries of rulemaking. The same fundamental considerations that drove change in the past are at the core of our current Rules Modernization initiative. Our goal is to bring the rules up to date to meet the needs of the game today across the world.

We expect the same to be true going forward as well. Golf will continue to expand to new places and involve new golfers; exciting and challenging new technologies will impact the game; and the demands of an ever-evolving game will continue to require attention and thoughtful action. Moreover, we can be certain that golfers will never cease to debate and disagree about the fairness and appropriateness of many of the rules. The R&A and the USGA will remain committed to providing leadership and guidance on all of these issues through their role in making and interpreting the Rules of Golf.

Tee Precision

The History Of Golf

• Introduction

Golf is one of the most famous, instantly recognizable sports in the world. Where most club-and-ball games fall into niche subcultures, everybody knows a golf club when they see one, and the same can be said about the dimpled surface of a golf ball.

Often seen as a game for the prestigious and wealthy, golf is played by people all over the world. Today we’re finding out where golf started, along with other pertinent information that helps us understand the sport and how it came to dominate much of the planet.

Getting into history and sports lore can be tricky, mainly in deciding how much detail we should include. That’s why we have used references, to back up our information and provide more reading material for avid golf fans.

We have over 500 years to cover, so let’s get started with the basics. We have a timeline of the history of golf below, so check that out if you’re looking for the origins of golf recorded step-by-step. For now, we’re starting by answering some basic questions you may have about the sport.

Table of Contents

Who invented golf, why is it called golf, kincaid’s golf, the leith rules, the first 18-hole course, the royal & ancient golf club, the usga is established, when did golf become really big, 1500s – 1600s, who are the most famous golf players of all time.

You may have heard that golf originated in Scottish culture. However, like so many sports, that’s just where we know modern golf came from. There is a lot of debate about where golf came from by sports historians because the Scots may have been playing it for decades before thinking to write it down, and it may have come from elsewhere before that.

Ancient stick -and-ball games have been found in Europe, Asia, and Africa throughout the 1000s, with the earliest example coming from China. The games were far from golf, acting as a distant relative of the sport we’re talking about today.

Another early game that resembled golf was played in 1297, in the Dutch town of Loenen aan de Vecht. The game involved hitting a leather ball with a stick, with the winner being the person who could reach their target in the fewest strokes. Documents from the period suggest this game was kolven , or kolf as a noun, which was later banned in the 1300s. Here’s an art piece depicting a kolf game .

During this time, there were Scottish examples of early golf being played. A 1400s act of Scottish parliament outlawed the playing of ‘ gowf’ and ‘ futball ’ because it distracted people from practicing archery, which was necessary for the event they were levied for battle.

Were the Dutch responsible for golf or was it the Scottish? References to kolf continue in Flemish texts into the 1500s, where our timeline of the history of golf begins. We do know that kolfmade its way to the USA in the 1600s, where it was played by settlers in Fort Orange, New York.

The answer may lie in the etymology of the word golf. So, why is it called golf?

The word golf came from somewhere and by tracking the etymology of words, we can learn more about where the sport originated. We are already familiar with kolf , which is a Dutch word for club and was used for their old sport.

Around the same time, in the 1300s and 1400s, we see terms like gowf , goff , and gouff being used in both the Netherlands and Scotland. Then, in the 1500s, we have the first mentions of the word golf.

This indicates that the Scottish terms for golf, which later became the most popular name for it, came from kolfand the Dutch names for similar games. Some historians believe that trading between the Netherlands and Scotland is responsible for the connection. The Netherlands is quite close, after all, and Scotland had close ties to the Dutch due to their religious similarities.

While the name may have come from a similar game, golf is more than just a word. It was Scotland who popularized the name, established the first courses and clubhouses, and made the first draft of written rules. They also started the 18-hole course , which lent itself to tournament structures and competitions.

With that in mind, the name may have come from Dutch origins, but it was the Scottish who developed golf into what it is today. Let’s go into more detail on how golf developed over time.

How Did Golf Develop Over Time?

Every sport has changed a lot since it was first invented and golf is no exception. In fact, it’s rare for somebody to just create a sport out of nowhere, most develop over centuries (sometimes millennia) until they become the sport we know today.

Even then, they are constantly changing and golf in 100 years might look different from the golf being played today. That’s why figuring out who invented golf is so difficult – it can be hard to put your finger on a certain point because it’s a centuries-long process.

While kolf isn’t golf – modern versions of kolf are played today and it’s a different sport – let’s look at the rules of kolf for posterity. It’s clear that kolf in the Netherlands inspired Scottish golf in some ways. While we’ll never know how, exactly, we can appreciate how the rules changed from kolf to golf over time.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of kolf:

• The game is played with few players, typically four.
• In summer, it was played in fields. In winter, it was played on ice.
• A target is established nearby, marked with a dedicated kolf stake or a makeshift landmark. Sometimes it was a hole in the ground and the distance varied between games and players .
• The players take turns hitting the ball with their club.
• The winner is the person who can reach the target with the fewest hits.

As we said, modern kolf is played in the Netherlands. The modern version is often played indoors, the court being 19 by 5.5 yards with a pole at one end as the target. The goal is to hit the ball as close to this pole as possible, with rings painted around it to determine how scoring works.

This sounds quite different from the old kolf – it’s like a combination of the old kolf and curling.

In the 16 th Century, golf was played all over the Scottish countryside. It was an informal, friendly game that wasn’t often regarded with the same prestige many give it today. In fact, it was a favorite of shepherds and other cattle herders since they’d play it on public land. In grazing, their cattle would mow the local lawns while their owners passed time with golf.

The oldest ruleset we have for golf is from the diary of Thomas Kincaid, a prominent medical student in the 1600s who was an avid archer and golfer. Having played near Edinburgh University, he included notes on his games.

While the word handicap wasn’t used yet, his diary essentially laid out an early handicap system for golf. Unsurprisingly, it details that the players need to decide on how much handicap was given to certain players and on which holes they apply.

Kincaid also noted that the best golf balls are those made of harder leather, without any weak grains or pores that could facilitate the passing of a needle. This would foreshadow the preference toward a harder ball in modern golf. Note that, at this time, clubs were made from hand-crafted wood (beech heads with shafts of hazel or ash), and the balls were balled feathers wrapped in leather hide. You can see some old golf clubs here .

Kincaid’s diary doesn’t go into great detail about golf, so our next best source is from the Company of Gentlemen Golfers (later the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) who wrote ‘Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf.’ That’s a mouthful, however, so they are called the Leith Rules because they played at the Leith Links.

Written in 1744, they claim to be the oldest golf club. This is debated, however, as the Royal Burgess Golfing Society had been established in 1735.

The Leith Rules get into the minutiae, which may seem redundant but is important when fleshing out a sport. There are thirteen rules in total, which we have translated into modern English below:

• Tee the ball within a club’s length of the hole.
• Your tee must be placed on the ground.
• You are not allowed to change the ball which is hit off the tee.
• You cannot remove stones or debris unless you’re on the green and it is within a club’s length of you.
• If the ball falls into water, you can take it out and tee it up behind the hazard. You must then allow your opponent a stroke for fouling.
• If the golf balls touch each other, the ball that made the first contact should be lifted and the second should play.
• You are to aim for the hole, not to aim for the opponent’s ball.
• If you lose your ball, you should strike from the same spot where you struck the lost ball. Allow your opponent another stroke for fouling.
• Hitters aren’t allowed to mark their path to the hole in any way when lining up their shot.
• If the ball gets stopped by a dog, horse, person, or other animals, resume from the spot where the ball stopped moving.
• A stroke that involves bringing down your club is counted as a stroke, even if you don’t make contact with the ball.
• The person with their ball furthest away from the hole goes first.
• Certain parts of a links course, like trenches, scholar’s holes, and soldier’s lines, are hazards. Instead, a ball that falls into them should be taken out, teed, and hit with any club.

It was only a few short decades after the Leith Rules were written down that the first 18-hole course came into existence. It was constructed at St. Andrews in Edinburgh, which isn’t surprising given that Edinburgh was a golfing hub. The university was one of Britain’s most prestigious too, which probably started the perception that golf is an esteemed and expensive game to indulge in.

Having been established in 1764, the 18-hole course became a standard for golf that dictated how many holes were played and how long they tended to be.

For the rest of the 1700s and 1800s, golf spread to British territories through learned people who had played golf at university. The most notable examples are the oldest English and Indian clubs – the Royal Blackheath Golf Club in 1766 and the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in 1829.

In 1754, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers was formed around the St. Andrews Links. In 1834, they were honored with ‘Royal & Ancient’ as a title by King William IV and are also one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. They also issued their codified rules of golf in 1897.

Due to their prestige, tournaments and other courses invited them to regulate games. The R&A, as they started to be called, grew over the next decades to become a management body for the sport. In 2004, the R&A separated from its St. Andrews association to become one of the world’s regulatory bodies alongside the USGA.

The USGA is the United States Golf Association, which was formed in 1894 to regulate the emerging American golfing scene. By the turn of the new century, thousands of clubs had formed in the USA.

While Britain made use of the links courses that were available to them (and still do today) the Americans sculpted the land into parklands for golf games . As we mentioned above, the USGA is still going strong as a regulatory body for American golf.

The popularity of golf exploded in the 1800s. This was first facilitated by new railway ties to London from Edinburgh. Scottish tourism was booming during this time as Scottish culture became the interest of Britain and the world. Alongside this, gutta-percha golf balls were developed and were easier to mass-produce than leather and feather combinations.

In 1880, England had approximately twelve courses. By 1914, the number had exploded to over 1,000. This popularity also gave us the very first British Open Champion, a dapper gentleman called John Ball.

Throughout the 1800s and the early 1900s, golf then spread throughout the British empire. As we mentioned already, it made its way to India, but it also traveled as far as New Zealand and South Africa too. It also expanded beyond the empire through trade, with the Tokyo Golf Club being established by the native Japanese in 1913.

In the USA, kolf games played by settlers were replaced with golf in the 1800s. After the founding of the USGA, women’s golf was established a year later. Two people are often credited for signal boosting golf in America – John Reed and Elizabeth Reed. Each founded their own club, John making the St. Andrew’s Club in New York while Elizabeth made Saegkill G.C., a women’s club.

Golf had become an American mainstay sport by the early 1900s, where amateur golfer Bobby Jones won the world’s first Grand Slam in 1930 – which back then was the British Open, the U.S. Open, the British Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur.

This was the first usage of the phrase Grand Slam and, by those original standards, no player has made a Grand Slam again. Under the modern Grand Slam definition, Jack Nicklaus became the next player to achieve one in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.

The History Of Golf: A Timeline

Having established much of golfing history, here’s a timeline that covers the most important points from the 1500s to the modern-day. While some things have been mentioned above, there are details here we haven’t included in our guide so far!

The 1500s and 1600s are a murky period where we know that golf was played in Scotland, specifically in the kingdom of Fife. Golfing equipment wasn’t used, making use of pebbles, sticks, and even rabbit burrows to play.

As we mentioned, golf-like games had been played since 1000 AD but most people would not consider them golf, only distantly related ancestors and cousins to the sport. If you remember, King James II (who was King James IV for Scotland) and other leaders also resisted golf because it distracted people from archery training. He also commissioned the first golf clubs later in his life, hiring bowmaker William Mayne for the job.

It wasn’t until the 1750s that wood-carved golf clubs became prolific in Scotland. Most of the oldest golfing tools came from this period, though there was probably older equipment that was recycled or destroyed by the passage of time. Blacksmiths also made iron club heads for the clubs.

As we covered, this was when the Royal & Ancient Golf Club was established. While there were golfing clubhouses in the 1730s and ‘40s, which we also mentioned above, the R&A would have the most profound impact on golf. This makes 1754 a foundational date for golf, especially the mainstreaming and standardization of it since they came up with some of the first codified rulesets.

While kolf was still being played in America in the 1650s, it was the 1770s where golf seemed to gain traction in the new world. Snippets from The Royal Gazette, a New York newspaper, contained advertisements for golfing equipment for new, interested players.

Gutta-percha golf balls were invented by Robert Adams Paterson, a clergyman, and St. Andrews alumni.

To elaborate, gutta-percha is a thermoplastic latex made from a plant of the same name. It’s rubbery, so it responds well to impact, while also being more durable than the feather balls wrapped in hard leather.

It was also cheap to make and easier to mass-produce, allowing everybody to enjoy golf. Where the old feather/leather balls had been called ‘featheries,’ the new gutta-percha balls were called ‘gutties.’

In many places, golf was seen as a man’s game and so women were barred from participating. This started to change in 1867 when the first women’s golf club was created at, you guessed it, St. Andrews University. It was made because members of the R&A Golf Club, who had grown older and started families, wanted a place for their daughters to learn golf.

1895 was when the first U.S. Open took place. The action took place on a large 36-hole course based in Rhode Island, which had to be played in just one day. The reward was $150 in cash, a gold medal, and a trophy.

Of course, it also came with the bragging rights of being the first U.S. Open champ. That would be a young man called Horace Rawlins. He placed second in the 1896 U.S. Open, too, and was involved with designing golf courses into the early 1900s.

While it may be hard to imagine, the specialized golf tee was only invented in 1899. Before the invention of the tee, golfers made mounds of sand and dirt to hit their balls from. The tee was the work of Dr. George Grant, who improved on a previous design patent by British inventor Percy Ellis in 1890, called the Perfectum tee.

Grant made the tee smaller and out of wood. He was also a renowned dentist and the first African-American man to attend Harvard University.

Golf was played at the Paris 1900, officially called the Games of the II Olympiad or, as we’d call it nowadays, the 1900 Summer Olympics. The event was part of the World Fair, so many athletes weren’t aware that they had performed at the Olympic Games.

Golf also made an appearance at St. Louis for the 1904 Olympics. In both cases, it wasn’t quite the Olympics that we know yet, which became more popular after 1924. Golf is still played at the Olympics today, though the format is a bit different .

In 1916, the first mini-golf courses were made by James Barber. Barber was a steamship business owner who made the mini-course for his home in Pinehurst, North Carolina. It wasn’t your average 18-hole course, featuring a zigzagging walkway, embedded gardens, and a fountain feature. Even today, the mini-golf course hasn’t changed too much!

The very first PGA Tour event started in 1829. At first, the event was limited to the West Coast, though with some held in Florida and Texas. In time, and especially after World War II, the PGA Tour became the more popular institution that it is today.

A careful golfer called Phil Young played a round of golf with his dentist this year. Why is that important? Well, Young missed a putt and became frustrated at the ball. Together, they X-rayed the ball and found that the rubber inside it was off-center and interfering with his game.

After finding a pattern in several golf balls Young, who was an MIT graduate, made his own line of golf balls. This would become a small company called Titleist, which quickly became the most popular golf ball brand within the next decade.

J.K. Wadley uses a motorized transport cart at his local Texarkana golf course. After seeing motorized carts traveling in Los Angeles, where they were used to transport the elderly to the local grocery stores, he figured he could use it to move between holes at the course. The first electric golf cart was made in 1932 but was not met by much fanfare and Wadley’s initial attempts fell short.

It was only in the 1950s that golf carts took off on the courses and parklands of America. A Californian native, Merle Williams, was behind the production of electric carts after fuel rations during the war. The first gas-powered cart came in the ‘50s from somebody called Max Walker and Harley-Davidson was manufacturing carts in the ‘60s.

In Augusta, Georgia, the very first Masters Tournament took place. Bobby Jones, who we mentioned in the first half of this page, wanted to build a golf course after he had retired. He worked with investor Clifford Roberts to create the invitational event where only the best of the best golfers could compete. The iconic green jacket associated with the Masters came to be in 1949 and the Champions Dinner in 1952.

The Zebra putter, named because it has a striped pattern on it, is introduced into the golfing industry . They would become more popular in the 1990s, thanks to players like Nick Price.

The next biggest name in golfing equipment – Callaway – starts in California. The Callaway Golf Company was started by former Burlington Industries president Ely Callaway Jr. At first they made golf clubs but today they offer a wider variety of golfing equipment. Their most famous club in the early years was their ‘Big Bertha’ driver.

1984 was where Nike, which had already established itself as a footwear and clothing company, expanded into the golfing industry. They offered clubs, balls, bags, and of course golf-related clothing like polo shirts.

The Nintendo Wii, which makes use of motion-sensing technology to control its videogames, releases Wii Sports. One of the sports was golfing, which isn’t surprising given the mainstream popularity of golf in the 21 st Century.

Wii Sports allowed people all over the world to simulate playing golf without finding a parkland to play it in. While it isn’t anywhere near real golf in terms of difficulty, it no doubt inspired some to pick up a real golf club afterward.

In 2019, virtual simulator rooms allow players to play golf indoors . With VR and metaverse technology improving rapidly, the idea of VR/metaverse sports keeps getting brought up.

Once again, it’s not the real thing, but it does bring new interest to the sport as a whole. It also hints at where the future of the sport is going, where virtual leagues exist and players compete against one another in digital spaces too.

That’s pretty much everything you need to know about the history of golf!

To bring this guide to a close, here are some of the most famous golf players of all time, from their impact on the sport to how effective they were at the game.

• John Rattray – While he isn’t exactly famous, John Rattray is one of the earliest influential figures in golf. As an Edinburgh surgeon in the 1700s, he was the Captain of Golf for the Company of Gentlemen Golfers when they first issued the first golf ruleset, which was also signed by him.
• Allan Robertson – The most famous golfer before the founding of the Open Championship (better known now as The Open or the British Open) from 1843 till 1859. He was considered the best in the world at the time, making a living by playing for bets.
• Young Tom Morris – A pioneer of professional golf and son of Old Tom Morris, who also played. He was the first young golf prodigy in history and won four consecutive Open Championship titles during the early years. He still holds the PGA record for youngest championship win at just 17.
• John Ball – As mentioned earlier here, John Ball was an English amateur golfer who became the first British person to win the Open Championship in 1890, along with the amateur championship.
• Glenna Collett-Vare – Dubbed the Queen of American Golf, Collett-Vare was the biggest name in female golfing during the 1920s.
• Bobby Jones – Bobby Jones was the first and only golfer to achieve an original Grand Slam, winning both the pro and amateur championships in the US and UK in one year, which was 1930. He was also influential in the industry, co-founding the Masters Tournament.
• Arnold Palmer – Nicknamed ‘The King,’ Palmer was the first golf superstar of the television age in the 1950s. He was modest and plain-spoken, making golf seem more accessible for many fans.
• Gary Player – The only non-American to achieve a career Grand Slam, Gary Player is considered one of the best alongside Palmer and is also an architect who designed over 400 golf courses worldwide.
• Jack Nicklaus – Alongside Palmer and Player, Jack Nicklaus was the last of the big three golf stars of the 1960s. Along with being one of the best players, he was the first Masters Tournament winner to place first two years in a row. With 18 majors, he also holds the record for most majors won. Like Player, he runs a golf course design company nowadays.
• Tiger Woods – No doubt the most famous golfer of all time, Tiger Woods holds numerous records and, unlike some others in this list, he’s one of the more modern players. Going pro in the 1990s, his name still looms over golfing despite many setbacks and controversies throughout his life.
• Rory McIlroy – Turning pro after becoming world #1 amateur at just 17, McIlroy is another big name in modern golfing. It proved to be the right decision, as he became the youngest most profitable player in the European and PGA Tours. Only Nicklaus, Woods, and McIlroy have won four major titles before turning 25.

With that, you have learned the history of golf. From the earliest Dutch and Scottish club-and-ball games, we have traced the journey of golf and how it developed over time. We also explained how the rules have changed and who changed them, with some explanation of the most famous and influential figures from the sport’s history. Now that we have caught up, all that’s left to wonder is what the future of golf will look like. With digital technology trying to capture and simulate many sports, we have a feeling that real modern golf is here to stay.

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Golf PowerPoint - History of the Game

• Microsoft OneDrive

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Description

Golf History PowerPoint - an overview of the history of golf from early beginnings to the present. Use when seasonal training starts, or anytime to go with reading a novel or short story with a golf connection. Includes interesting sport historical information on how the game developed, famous players, popularity and influence of golf and the future of the sport. Fully animated. Great for Physical Education sports programs or summer camp or for building background knowledge when reading about the game. Includes review questions - Multiple Choice. Use in class, online, or with a substitute in P.E. Use PowerPoints like this in video conferencing or Zoom for remote learning. Share with students in OneDrive and Microsoft Teams. Upload to Google Drive and save as Google Slides. It will automatically convert, so you can use it in Google Classroom. It is editable and easy to make adjustments if necessary. View in Slideshow mode to see animations. Please see full preview. Note: animations do not show in preview.

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Axis History Forum

This is an apolitical forum for discussions on the Axis nations and related topics hosted by the Axis History Factbook in cooperation with Christian Ankerstjerne’s Panzerworld and Christoph Awender's WW2 day by day . Founded in 1999.

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• Board index The Allies & the Neutral States The Soviet Union at War 1917-1945

Moscow Metro during GPW

Post by CoffeeCake » 14 Nov 2004 01:26

Re: Moscow Metro during GPW

Post by Eugene (J. Baker) » 15 Nov 2004 11:48

CoffeeCake wrote: Did the metro get damaged at all by the Germans and did people use it like the British did in London (as a bomb shelter)?

Post by AMVAS » 17 Nov 2004 17:06

Post by nublu » 17 Nov 2004 18:05

CoffeeCake wrote: Did people use it like the British did in London (as a bomb shelter)?

Post by AMVAS » 17 Nov 2004 19:18

nublu wrote: CoffeeCake wrote: Did people use it like the British did in London (as a bomb shelter)?

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