Facts and Trivia: The History of Golf

History of Golf

The history of golf is a battle between the Scots and the English. Scotland believes they were the first to play and have contributed much to its origins. On the other hand, England claims the history of golf because of a stained glass window depicting a man playing golf in the Gloucester Cathedral. Despite the continued dispute, the game of golf is a flourishing past time soon and a world-class sport.

Golf in other countries

Although the origins of golf were mainly pointed at England and Scotland, other countries played games resembling golf. In 300 B.C., ch’ui wan was a game played by the Chinese; it included 10 clubs adorned with jade and gold. Romans played paganica, which involved a stick, a ball and a target. In 1338, German shepherds marked their territory with the distance covered by striking a pebble with their crooks.

Origin of “golf”

The name “golf” came from the Dutch game “het kolven”. It was played in the Low Countries where players need to drive a ball at a good aiming distance. From “kolven” came “kolf” and this name of the game traveled across the North Sea. The English called it “gowf” then “goff” and eventually, “golfe”.

The early years of golf

When it comes to the development of golf, much is credited to the Scots. They did more than incorporating a hole to the game, which many golf enthusiasts can thank for. But the history of golf isn’t quite as respectable as it is today.

Golf was formerly banned in Scotland. In the 1457 Act of the Scottish Parliament issued by King James II, golf and football were prohibited as these two games distracted the archers from practicing. It was a time of turmoil between the Scots and the English and King James II found no purpose for his soldiers playing an “unprofitable sport”. The ban was reaffirmed by his successors, King James III and King James the IV in 1470 and 1491.

But it wasn’t long until golf was played again. The war came to a peace treaty between England Scotland. King James IV married Margaret, the daughter of King Henry VII. The ban was lifted and King James IV finally gave into playing golf.

In the 1500’s, he purchased a set of clubs and had William Mayne appointed as Royal Club Maker. In 1502, his treasurer paid 14 shillings for the clubs of King James IV. Bets out of the royal bank account were made and golf became a popular sport among the royalties. Finally in 1651, the royal heads of Scotland favored golf to be played throughout the region.

It was the impression of royal families and noble men playing golf that defined its status. It became a sport for the rich but it didn’t stop commoners to find a way to play golf wherever they can.

St. Andrews is the most popular place where golf was first played. In fact, it was considered as the golf capital in Scotland. It occupies a strip of land along the sea and a trench was created throughout the terrain. The holes were dictated by the topography. It started with 11 holes, eventually ending to 18– which is still the standard today.

During the early 18^th and 19^th century, Scottish soldiers and emigrants brought the game to the British Isles. Come 1880, England had 12 courses and over 1000 courses in the year 1914. Scotland’s tourism soared because of the widespread liking of golf. It wasn’t long until the game was loved throughout the world. France established its first club dedicated to golf in 1856. The St. Andrews club in New York was founded in 1888.

Women and golf

The history of gold can also be linked to women playing the game. In the 1800’s, it was the Scots who thought golf could be a match among women. But Mary, Queen of Scots has been playing golf since 1567. She was first seen playing the game shortly after her husband was murdered. Men found her playing as a disrespectful behavior considering her controversial loss.

Thanks to Mary, Queen of Scots, women started to competitively fight in 1810. They were allowed to play on certain occasions but not in tournaments. It was only in 1895 were they officially permitted to compete in tournaments.

The evolution of golf

The ball

There are four stages the golf ball went through before it was the rubber core it is today. The Scots used wooden golf balls in the earlier years. The balls were made of hardwood such as box root and beech. These wooden golf balls were used until the turn of the 17^th century.

In 1618, a new ball was created. It was made of cowhide sphere and was stuffed with goose feathers. This feathery ball was manufactured while the feathers and leather were wet. Once they are dried, the ball will become more compact. It was a lot more expensive than the wooden balls but deemed better.

The feathery ball was used for three centuries until the gutty ball was invented. It was made with the dried sap of Sapodilla tree and formed into ball shapes while its being heated. It provided a rubber feel to it and it became more popular since it took better flight.

Taking inspiration from the gutty ball, Coburn Haskell created the rubber golf ball in 1898. It was made of solid rubber core with high-tension rubber coiled around it. The exterior of the ball had many designs to provide better airflow. The first dimple pattern was made in 1908. The rubber ball is still the golf ball being used today.

The club

The history of golf clubs is just as equally rich. In 1618, long-nose wooden golf clubs were used to play the sport. The head of the clubs was long and thin, and was made of hardwood like apple, ash, hazel or pear. Wooden head clubs were handcrafted until 1910 and club makers were generously rewarded.

In the turn of 1800’s, iron was used to make golf clubs but they easily damaged the feathery balls. It was also during the 1800’s that Scotland was dubbed as the Mecca for golf clubs.

In 1925, hickory was used as shafts considering its durability and strength. The Americans were the ones to thank for this kind of club. They were exported for a good price in Scotland and other countries. It wasn’t long until steel shafts were made in 1929.

Drivers we know today have evolved with larger heads, giving a more accurate hit. Designs do vary, depending on its purpose.

Golf today

Many tournaments like the U.S Open have made golf a world-renowned sport. Both men and women now play in competitive tournaments. Even its reputation as a sport for the rich is slowly fading. Benefit tournaments and sponsorship are offered to everyone who can play.

The history of golf is as abundant as it is today. Whether it was the Scots or the English or the Chinese who invented the game, it’s undoubtedly a sport that will last for more generations to come.