The History Of Golf

The modern golf game we play today originated in St. Andrews, Scotland in the 12th century and spread to become a worldwide favorite.  The origin of golf is unclear and open to debate.  The game of golf has changed and developed into one of the top sports in the United States.

Scholars have documented resources to a form of golf from hieroglyphys found on stone tablets dating to the ancient Pharaohs.  Some historians maintain that golf was first mentioned in an ancient Chinese 11th century book and was brought to Europe by the Mongols in the 12th and 13th centuries.  The Scottish game of goulf (golf) was mentioned in two laws prohibiting its play in the 15th century.

There is even evidence showing that Mary Queen of Scots played in 1567 and King Charles I of England (while being held captive in Scotland) played in 1646.

There are even earlier reports of golf-like games being played.  These games are considered the ancestors of the modern version of golf as it is played today.  Golf began with courses that didn’t always have 9 holes or 18 holes, but 11 holes up to 22 holes.  The number of course holes were combined to 18-holes at St. Andrews, the golf capital, and all other courses chose to follow suite.  Today the 18-hole course remains the standard course.