The origins of the game of golf

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

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

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

However courses have not always been 18 holes. Early golfers at St Andrews made a trench through the rough land playing eleven holes which were laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. On reaching the end they would turn round and play back therefore making a total of 22 holes. It was decided that some of the holes were 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 golf balls. It was stated that the velocity of the ball should not exceed 250 feet per second and since this time it has continued to develop and make an impact on the way the game is played.

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

It was 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 larger.

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

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