History of Golf (Part 1)
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world today. But how exactly did this prestigious sport start? Its story dates back to 1300’s when a sport similar to golf was played with a stick and ball. It’s still unclear as to where the sport originated. Some say it was England, whereas some say it was in Scotland. In the Gloucester Cathedral in England there is a stained glass window on which there is a man who appears like a golfer. The English use this historical art work as evidence of being the inventors of golf. There is debate on this issue because the Scot’s say that golf was their discovery because of its close association with Scottish history.
The word golf was first talked about in writing on a Scottish statue made in 1457. It was then called 'gouf' which is possibly derived from the Scottish word ‘goulf’ which means to strike or cuff. However, this could be linked to a Dutch word ‘kolf’ which means a bat or a club. There is also a legend staying that the term golf is derived from an acronym “Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden”. This, however, is incorrect etymology.
Even though it is unclear about who invented golf, it is confirmed that the sport is at least five hundred years old. On March 6th 1457, James II of Scotland banned golf and football because they were becoming an obstacle in archery practice. The defenders of the Scottish realm really needed to brush up on their archery skills back then. In 1491, the ban was still in place when King James IV was in power. Ten years later, he became a faithful player of the game. In 1651, the ban on golf was lifted. There is also a theory that bored shepherds, who were taking care of the goats near St. Andrews became very skilled at hitting round stones into rabbit holes with their wooden crooks. Now that’s some legend right there.
In the fourteenth century, a lot of varying forms of the game were played throughout Europe. For many years golf was played on rough land without properly mowed grass. It was just like crude holes carved in the ground where the surface was flat.
Slowly and steadily, golf became a very common sport. By early 1700’s, it became more organized. That meant that clubs and organizations formed. The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh was created in 1753. In addition to the Burgess Golfing Society, there was the Gentlemen Golfers of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Golfing Society. These societies were the pioneers in establishing the rules and regulations of the game.
One major debate was on how many holes will be played during the game. After much argument and controversy, in 1764 it was decided that it will be 18 holes.
In 1766, the first golf club was formed in England. In 1856, the popularity began spreading in Europe when the first club in France was formed. In 1888, golf reached America when the St. Andrews club was opened in New York. John Reid first built a three-hole course in Yonkers, New York, which was near his house. Sometime later, he made the club, which was on a 30-acre site. From those basic beginnings, golf’s knowledge and popularity escalated in the States. It became the national pastime of America. In 1894, the United States Golf Association was formed. By the turn of the century, more than 1000 golf clubs had opened in North America.
The first best golfer to ever be known was Allan Robertson. He had a family connection with golf history and ancestors, who played the game until they died. It seemed as if golf was in their blood. Also, they had a ball manufacturing business that overlooked the 18th hole on St. Andrews Golf Course. When he was 44, Robertson passed away. His death made people find another favourite and this desire led to the proceedings of the first ever British Open.
Tags: