The Origins Of Golf
from Good Golf Swing Aids

Trace the origins of golf

One of the biggest and most often misunderstood aspects about the game of golf is the origins of golf itself.

The game has been around for so long it is easy to understand why people really are unsure exactly where it came from.

Just about every country that enjoys this game have laid claim to the birth of golf. Many games today utilize a ball and stick as the main tools for the game. It is however, the hole that makes golf unique and separate from the other games.

Golf can actually be traced back to the year 1421. This could be one of the closest dates recorded in the history of this fine sport. It is said that people were hitting pebbles around rabbit tracks, sand dunes, and small knolls with crude clubs made of sticks off the eastern coast of Scotland in the 15th century.

Instant Hit

The origins of golf can also be traced back to the fact that the game unfortunately took precedence over many other important life chores. At the time that golf was starting to grow momentum, Scotland was preparing to fend off an invasion from England. Most would rather play golf than take up their appointed archery lessons. King George II then took it upon himself to ban the sport. This was meant to ensure that the sport did not take a fore step over military procedures.

The ban was lifted in 1502 by King George IV with the treaty of Glasgow. The king at this time was now an avid golfer and was more than willing to promote the sport. By the 16th century, golf was now a popular sport throughout England as well. It was not long before this game took on in other parts of Europe, as the French queen Mary Queen Of Scots became another royal dignitary to adopt the game. She introduced the game to France after studying in England and the sport soon took off there as well.

The Rules Are Set

It was in the year 1744 that the first official rules of the game of golf were applied. The origins of golf were not actually the birth place of its rules, as the game spread to neighboring regions. Albeit the fact that golf was played at the famous town of St Andrews even before the year 1552, there was not an actual golf game that was considered legitimate until the year 1754. It was in the year 1764 that the de-facto standard for 18 hole golf courses would come about.

By the year 1854, the origins of golf had already been well documented. The game was enjoyed by lower class all the way up to royalty. What was most interesting is that the rules were the same for all. This allowed for a uniform appreciation of the sport that was fair and standard for all.
Simple Yet Functional Equipment

The equipment that was used for the game of golf at the time the sport was born was rudimentary at best. Slim sticks usually cut from apple or beech trees were shaped into clubs. The balls were usually tightly packed feathers wrapped in the hide of a horse. The clubs and balls have come a long way since they were first developed. This is due to the love and growth of the sport.

Like all things, progression takes the game to new levels. This allows for the sport itself to be enjoyed by more people and be passed along to further generations.

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