History of golf: from the start in Scotland to the world

KOMPAS.com – sport Golf as we know it today can be associated with Scotland, although there have been several bat and ball games throughout the history of the world.

In the 13th century, the Dutch played a game in which a leather ball was struck with the aim of hitting a target several hundred yards away. The winner is the player who hits the target with the fewest hits.

But in Scotland, sport similar is known as golf. Although similar, in golf history the difference between the two is the existence of a “hole”.

History of golf itself dates back to 15th century Scotland.

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Scottish golf history

The game was first mentioned in an act of the Scottish Parliament in 1457. It called for a ban on the sport played alongside football.

King James II of Scotland, who issued the ban at the time, said playing sports was a distraction from military training.

He felt that perfecting archery would be a more rewarding sport.

After several other bans throughout the 15th century and golf considered an unprofitable sport, restrictions on the game were removed with the entry into force of the Treaty of Glasgow in 1502.

Today, the Scots are very proud of their golfing heritage. An “old-fashioned” course continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, and the site continues to play an important role in the history of golf.

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It was not until the 16th century that information about how to play golf appeared in writing. This article, which appears in various books in Latin and Dutch, details the rules of the time.

The oldest recorded rules for the game of golf date back to 1744, when the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers published “Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf. “

This ancient piece of golf history is now kept in the National Library of Scotland. Its existence gives the Muirfield Club its appeal, as the oldest golf club in golf history.

During this first period golf was mainly played in an informal and very friendly game in Scotland.

Players use public land, which is also often used for raising livestock like sheep and goats. These animals functioned both as “agronomists” and as lawn mowers.

St Andrews Old Course @TheHomeofGolf Eden https://t.co/PdXpxbrhws It must be said that it is surely the best … pic.twitter.com/iqOiVGiWZb

– Architecture and history of the golf course – Evalu18 (@ evalu18golf) October 16, 2021

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Golf is spreading all over the world

In the history of golf, Scottish soldiers, immigrants and expatriates played an important role in the spread of golf to the world.

In the 18th century, it was these figures who were responsible for the distribution of game in the British Isles. However, it was not until the 19th century that golf began to gain international attention.

The oldest golf courses outside England are found near France, with the Royal Calcutta Golf Club founded in 829 and the Club de Pau in 1856.

By 1880, golf had spread to Ireland, many other parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and South Africa.

Meanwhile, in England the popularity of the game of golf is also increasing. In 1880 England had 10 golf courses, which quickly grew to 1,000 by 1914.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that golf became popular. Its growth was, in large part, due to the industrial revolution. The creation and development of the rail system made it possible for British tourists to take trains to Scotland, for golf trips and vacations.

Tom Morris – Home hole at @TheHomeofGolf Discover the sands of the West! #linksgolf #Saint André #oldtorn #thehomeofgolf pic.twitter.com/JJDzskSQQB

– Architecture and history of the golf course – Evalu18 (@ evalu18golf) 22 October 2021

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Adopt in America

There is some evidence to suggest that golf was enjoyed in America during the 18th century.

The delivery of golf equipment to Charleston, South Carolina is known to have taken place in 1739. This process led to the founding of the South Carolina Golf Club in 1787, advertising of golf clubs and balls in the Royal Gazette of New York in 1779.

However, as in other parts of the world that adopted the sport early, there was no real attraction to the sport until the early 19th century.

In 1894, the United States Golf Association was formed to serve as a golfing ambassador to the country, which in 1910 hosted 267 golf clubs.

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