|
The Controversial History Of Golf
The history of golf is not absolutely clear and that is definitely often debated. The most generally held opinion is that the game of golf as we know it these days started out in Scotland in around the 12th century AD when shepherds developed a game involving hitting rocks into rabbit holes. This game was played on the site of present day Royal and Historic Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland.
It is true that there are many references to other similar games in various parts of the world. Egyptian scholars claim there is a mention of a sort of golf in hieroglyphic records from the time of the Pharaohs. A game employing sticks to hit a ball into holes was mentioned in an 11th century Chinese book and there are claims that this game was brought to Europe by the Mongols in the 12th or 13th century. At the end of the 13th century you can find a note of this type of game being played out in Holland.
However, when we think about what a terrific game this is, you can see it would not be surprising if people in various parts of the globe thought up some sort of it independently of each other. While Chinese, Egyptian and Dutch scholars may stir up a debate and try to dispute their own cases, there is no doubt that the game played by the shepherds of St. Andrews is the variant that became the Scottish game of golf or goulf as it was occasionally written.
St. Andrews saw the establishment of the first permanent golf course in addition to the first list of written rules. It was also the first golf club to offer membership. Tournaments started at St. Andrews, as did the tradition of challenge matches amongst different cities in Scotland.
However, the St. Andrews course or links, that ran along a small piece of land beside the sea, was not always 18 holes. The land sloped up and down and had topographical features which had to be worked around. The golf players gradually established a standard path which initially was 11 holes long.
This 11 hole course stretched from the clubhouse to the end of the strip of land. The players would play out from the clubhouse and then back, so playing a total of 22 holes altogether. It was not until 1764 that the club arrived at a decision that a few of the holes were too short. They were combined to make a total of 9 holes, leading to an 18 hole game.
Different courses were soon established in other parts of Scotland, later spreading to The UK and the rest of the globe. The status of the St. Andrews club established the 18 hole course as the standard length and so it has remained in the course of the history of golf until modern times.
Tips On How To Transform Your Golf Game
Just imagine how good it would feel to break 80 on the golf course consistently. I'm not talking about breaking any records, playing long drive golf or qualifying for the PGA Tour, just shooting under 80 on a regular basis.
Great Ideas To Help You Choose A Golf GPS
Why you must use a golf GPS unit to improve your game. Know how golf gps units might help you to a whole new level.
An In-Depth Look At The Callaway Golf Club
The Callaway golf club is one of the most popular and also reliable types of golf club in the market today. There are so many people (particularly retired men) that are fascinated with golf today
Beginner Golfers: Everything You Need To Know When Buying Golf Bags
You might be a golf beginner looking for your first set of golf clubs and equipment or a pro shopping for upgrades, but all will agree that golf bags are essential in the game. Next to golf clubs, a golf bag is one of the most important golfing equipment there is.
All About The Ping Golf Club
For a golfer, one of the most important things that he should examine is his golf club because according to experts, it is one of the main reasons why they do not hit the ball. This is the exact reason why the Ping golf club was born.
You Can Now Get Low Cost Golf Holidays
Most people love to have a good holiday break and golf enthusiasts are no different. Golf holidays on a budget are what many of us would like - a chance to play our favorite sport, soak up some sun and generally have a grand time
Do You Know Golf Resort Vacation Is A Superb Plan To Get Free From Your Tiring Schedule
If you love golf and want some time off from your busy schedule, planning a golf resort vacation would be ideal for you. You can relax, get away from the hub of every day life and do something that you enjoy doing.
Related Articles
Useful Sites
|
