Golf has a rich history dating back over 550 years. I say over, as that’s just what we have documented. The game’s origins are certainly from well before James II had a bit of a wobbly in 1457 and told people they needed to practice their archery, rather than chapping a ball about on the links. One can see his point – taking on the Douglases with a long bow would have been considerably more effective than trying to nail them with a wooden ‘gowf’ ball.
Over the centuries, there have been a number of key moments in the history of our grand sport – the first golf club, the first rules, the first professionals… The game has continuously evolved and it continues to evolve to this day – changes to The Rules, to the handicap system or to the structure of top level competition for example. It’s a fascinating and complex game that, although one of the most historic and traditional of sports, is also ever-changing. Here we take a look at five moments that changed the course of golfing history.
