Golf has a rich history spanning centuries. Understanding the origins and evolution of golf helps you appreciate the game and its traditions. Golf is one of the oldest sports still played in its original form.
Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. The earliest written reference to golf is from 1457 when King James II of Scotland banned golf because it was interfering with archery practice. Despite the ban, golf continued to grow in popularity.
The oldest golf course still in use is St. Andrews in Scotland, founded in 1552. St. Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world. The Old Course at St. Andrews is the most famous golf course in the world.
Early golf clubs were made of wood with wooden heads. Balls were made of leather stuffed with feathers. These "featheries" were expensive and didn't travel far. In the mid-1800s, the gutta-percha ball was invented, which was cheaper and traveled farther.
Golf clubs evolved from simple wooden clubs to the sophisticated equipment we use today. Steel shafts replaced wooden shafts in the 1920s. Modern clubs have graphite shafts and engineered heads designed for maximum performance.
Golf came to America in the late 1800s. The first golf course in America was St. Andrew's Golf Club in Yonkers, New York, founded in 1888. Golf quickly became popular in America, and American golfers began competing internationally.
The Open Championship (British Open) is the oldest major championship, first played in 1860. The U.S. Open began in 1895. The Masters began in 1934 at Augusta National Golf Club. The PGA Championship began in 1916.
Harry Vardon won 6 Open Championships and is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. Bobby Jones won 13 major championships in the 1920s and 1930s. Jack Nicklaus won 18 major championships and is considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time.
Tiger Woods revolutionized golf in the 1990s and 2000s with his athletic approach to the game. He won 15 major championships and became the most dominant golfer of his era.
Golf has many traditions that have been maintained for centuries. The 19th hole (the clubhouse bar) is a tradition where golfers gather after their round. The handicap system dates back to the 1800s. The rules of golf have been standardized since 1744.
Women have been playing golf since the 1800s. The Ladies Golf Union was founded in 1893. Women's golf has grown significantly, with professional tours like the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) founded in 1950.
For more information about golf, explore our golf tips section or check out tournament information.