The origins of the game of golf

It was back in the year 1297 that the game of golf was first recorded. This was said to have been in the Netherlands. The game was played with a crude stick plus a leather ball. Whoever hit the ball the furthest and in the least number of times was considered to be the winner.

The modern game of golf is thought to have originated in Scotland. The word golf may have been derived from the Dutch word “kolf” which means stick or club. The very first 18 hole golf course was also in Scotland. Also the very first written rules were believed to have come from the Scots.

It wasn’t long before the game had spread to England. It is said that the oldest playing golf course in the world is the Old Links at Musselburgh in East Lothian. It was reputed that Mary Queen of Scots played there in 1567.

However courses have not always been made up of 18 holes. Early golfers at St Andrews made a trench through the rough land playing just eleven holes which were laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the furthest end of the property. Once reaching the end they would turn round and play back therefore making a total of 22 holes. Gradually it was decided that some of the holes were considered too short so they became integrated and ended up as 18 holes as we know it today.

Golf equipment has developed markedly over the years It was in the 1930’s that the US Golf Association set a weight and size for all golf balls. It was stated that the velocity of the golf ball should not exceed 250 feet per second and since this time it has continued to be developed and made an impact on the way the game is played.

Another big factor is of course the evolution of the golf club. The early ones were made up of wood. Hickory became the standard wood which was used for shafts and Persimmon was the choice of wood for the club head because of its hardness and strength.As the golf ball developed and became much more durable it was then the iron headed clubs were introduced to the game. Steel shafts were first developed in the 1890’s .

In the early 1970’s shaft technology was introduced to the use of graphite shafts with lightweight titanium heads which meant the head could be made much bigger.

The equipment has been developed massively with the help of modern day technology and now we have more golf equipment than you would have imagined possible. Our forbears were not lucky enough to have such things as golf trolleys and golf buggies to transport them round the course. However one thing that probably has withstood the test of time is the sociable drink at the 19th hole at the end of a round of golf!