The History of Golf

The History of Golf 1457 First documented mention of golf as we know it. The origins of golf as we know it today are steeped in mystery however it is generally believed the game originated in Scotland. The game, known as "gowf" to the Scots was banned by King James I| as it was interfering with archery practise; a "game" of military importance. 1729 Golf arrives across the Atlantic. The first recorded mention of golf being played in the USA comes from the estate paperwork of the Governor of Massachusetts. 1744 First official set of rules devised in Scotland. After the rather slapdash way in which golf has been played in documented set of "official" rules for golf, created by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. the past, 1744 represents the first 1764 St. Andrews adopts 18 hole course. The Old Course at St. Andrews is considered one of the oldest golf courses in the world. It was in 1764 that the course was modified from 22 to 18 holes, a format that was son replicated around the world. 1895 US Open championship played for the first time. As evidence of the growing popularity of the game, the now-famous US Open golf tournament is played at Newport Country Club, Rhode Island. The tournament is won by Brit Horace Rawlins. 1898 Coburn Haskell invents the modern golf ball. By the turn of the century, original golf balls which typically consisted of a leather outer stuffed with feathers are replaced by a new design. The so-called Haskell golf ball allows for further travel, helping to transform the game and allowing play over greater distances. 1916 US PGA Tournament played for the first time. Despite the UK having adopted a professional golfers association (PGA) in 1901, it takes until 1916 for the US to follow suit. It is the same year that the US PGA tournament is played at Siwanoy Country Club. 1921 Ryder Cup launches. The Ryder cup is launched and is played at Gleneagles in Scotland. 1916 US PGA Tournament played for the first time. Despite the UK having adopted a professional golfers association (PGA) in 1901, it takes until 1916 for the US to follow suit. It is the same year that the US PGA tournament is played at Siwanoy Country Club. 1921 Ryder Cup launches. The Ryder cup is launched and is played at Gleneagles in Scotland. 2016 Golf to be played at the Olympics. Astonishingly it takes until 2016 for golf to be played as an Olympic sport, where it will debut at Rio de Janeiro after years of campaigning. Image courtesy of www.FarleighFox.co.uk Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_golf http://www.igfgolf.org/about-golf/history/ http://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventions/a/golf.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_ball