There is no sport in history that has caused as much frustration as the game of golf. It all dates back to the mid – 1400s. Most say that golf was first played in Scotland. James II of Scotland was in charge. He later forbade the playing of golf, so the Scots could concentrate on their archery skills. (Sounds like an exciting guy!)
Golf was later reinstated by the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow in 1501. Golf became socially correct in the early 1600s. Even then, the game of golf was reserved for the elite and frenzied, who had the money and leisure time to spend on it.
The Scots opened the first Golf Club in 1744, and it was called the Honorable Company of Gentleman Golfers. It was founded by William St. Claire in Leith, and later became the Company of Edinburgh Golfers.
The old courses consisted of 22 holes, 11 out and 11 back. Eventually golf courses were reduced to 18 holes.
The years 1900-1910 were the most prominent in the development of golfing equipment. In 1900 the handmade feather/leather golf was replaced by a rubber core ball. It was accepted and used by the English in 1902, at the British Open. Most golfers used the same ball for all 72 holes. Modern day golfers use about 7 balls per round.
Until next time! I hope I haven’t put anyone into cardiac arrest with this exciting information???
Nice history lesson. I have played the game for many years but never new this.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Golf history is unique. Talk to you soon.......
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are a lot of golfers who would argue there are still 22 holes when telling their wifes they are golfing for the day! Maybe they reduced it because they had to carry their own clubs for the 4 extra holes! Thank you for the golf history lesson... it was very interesting.
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