History of Golf

Golf is an ancient sport, with rich heritage. As played today, a golfer will use various clubs to hit a ball down a course, aiming to drop the ball into a hole on the green. Each course is rated with a par, or number of strokes (hitting the ball with the club) allowed to get the ball into the hole. Anything above the par gives you a positive score, while anything below gives the golfer a negative score. The goal of the game is to have as low a score as possible. Golf is a widely acknowledged game of polite society, where one can enjoy nature, discipline, and athletics. The game of golf is also widely dominated by a mental aspect. Although there is competition with fellow golfers, most strive against themselves, trying to get a lower and lower overall score. They strive for absolute perfection, as any small mistake can affect the game in large ways. It is commonly accepted that the modern game of Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. There are many examples of ancient cultures and games involved with small balls hit with sticks or clubs, but Scotland’s golf was the first to attempt to place these balls in a hole at the end of a course. This direct line can be traced to Scotland’s Kingdom of Fife, where players would hit a rock down a course naturally lined with sand dunes and rabbit holes. The game became so popular in Scotland that the parliament of the day felt compelled to ban the sport in 1457 to remove distraction from the general populace’s military training. They were at the time preparing for possible conflict with England, and felt that golf was corroding their military strength. This ban was reaffirmed in 1470 and 1491, without much success. Scotland’s general populace ignored the ban and continued to play. Finally, in 1502, the ban was lifted with the King himself taking to the game. This royal endorsement led to quick spreading fame across Europe. The term caddie, as a matter of fact, comes from Marry Queen of the Scots, while she was in France, making military cadets carry her clubs. Golfing was eventually spread throughout the world by imperialist Britain. As they came to power and expanded and conquered they took their new favorite sport with them. Soon golfing could be found in India, America, Ireland, France, and more. Then, as the industrial revolution took place and travel became more readily available, the popularity of golf again increased. Suddenly it was not only possible to travel to other golf courses, but highly fashionable. Today golf still enjoys a widespread popularity. It is both easy to play and difficult to master. Any amateur can go out, get fresh air, enjoy beautiful scenery and nature, and the athletic challenge of golf. And any veteran, no matter how tried and true, still has to strive for the perfect game, and a new level of excellence. There are thousands of golf courses spread throughout the United States, with one in nearly every location. So go out today and enjoy a nice game of golf whether it be on a public course, or at a fancy resort .