A Brief History of Golfing

One of the most elegant and prolific games of this century, golf has a fascinating trail of history running behind. The word ”golf” is actually a modification of the Dutch word “kolf” which simply means a “bat,” “stick,” or “club”. If defined literally, the game is all about striking a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes while complying with the rules of the game. It is one of those rare games which do not require playing area; rather golf is played on golf “courses.” The competitions of golf are based on stroke play, where the individual or team posts with lowest score on the most individual for a full round, wins the game. Some other team games of golf such as fourball have been pioneered, and are played either using matchplay format or stroke. Several alternative styles of golf playing have been introduced like disc golf and miniature golf. However, it is still interesting to find out the History of golf.

Most scholars agree with the “fact” that the Scots were first to popularize the game of golf. However, there exists no common consensus in the history of golf about the inventors of the classy sport. The records suggest a golf-like game was played in a city called Loenen aan de Vecht, Netherlands, on 26 February 1297. The Dutchmen played this game with leather ball and a stick. Actually, the game required the players to hit the ball into a target situated several hundreds of meters away.

The emphasis on golf’s Scottish origin is contributed to the fact that the game was mentioned in two 15th-century Acts of the Scottish Parliament. Further, there are evidences that in A.D 1456, the first game of golf was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, as recorded in the archives of The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.

There are some reports which record evidences of golf from continental Europe. Different forms of sports similar to golf were played in 14th century in the countries of France, Belgium, and Holland, apart from Scotland. However, the game was introduced in England by a keen Scottish Baron, James VI, after succeeding on the English throne in 1603.

In the early years of golf, the players never thought of forming a club or society until in 1744 a group of Edinburgh golfers united into a club named Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. It was here that the first 13 rules of golf were drawn up for an annual contest. In 1766, Royal Blackheath Golf Club was formed in England – the first golf club formed outside Scotland.

Although traces of golf can be encountered in 18th century United States, however the game was still waiting to be popularized. The history of golf in North America began with its roots in Canada. In 1873, The Royal Montreal Club was formed, which was followed by the Quebec Golf Club in 1875 and the golf club in Toronto a year later. It was in 1888 that golf re-emerged in the United States. For the first time the “three-hole golf course” was built in Yonkers, New York by a Scotsman, John Reid on a 30-acre site. From a modest beginning, golf emerged as the new national pastime in the United States.

In the recent times golf has become a complete spectators’ game, involving professionals at different levels and amateur tours across various terrains of the world. Not only the game, but the golf players -Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Jack Nicklaus to name a few, have gained worldwide recognition as great sports personalities. Engrossingly huge sponsorships and new technologies being developed to assist golfers and dedication and raw talent from the emerging players all suggest a luminous new chapter in the “history of golf”.

Golf Equipment – What You Need to Get Started

Like any sport golf requires you to possess the correct equipment to play from golf clubs to accessories. There are many brands and types of golf clubs including drivers, fairway woods, rescue clubs, irons and putters. Each type of golf club has a relevant purpose on the golf course; the driver for example is used from the tee for long distance shots, the irons are used for short approach shots – approaching the green and naturally the putter is used for finishing. Which golf club you choose and at which stage of the game is a combination of personal preference and experience.A golf bag is used to transport and protect your clubs to and from the golf course and throughout the game. There are four main types of golf bag including carry, stand, trolley and light editions – which bag you select is usually down to both personal preference and requirements e.g. number of golf clubs or how you intend to transport the bag and clubs around the golf course. If you prefer to not use a golf trolley then a stand or carry bag is suitable. A number of golf bags offer protection for graphite shafts – whilst individual dividers prevent clubs from smashing into each other. All golf bags supply a number of storage pockets for the safe keeping of golfing accessories including golf balls, towels and valuables.A head-cover is another item of golf equipment which can offer an excellent degree of protection for golf club heads including drivers, woods, hybrids and irons.Golf shoes are a compulsory addition to any golfing outfit and are needed to provide additional grip when performing a shot. A high quality pair of golf shoes will offer breathability and waterproofing for optimal comfort in most playing conditions. Manufacturers have replaced metal spikes with plastic ones in recent times to prevent unnecessary damage to the course – the spikes also facilitate a golf swing, preventing a player from slipping when delivering a shot. When selecting a pair of golf shoes be sure to select a durable pair which can deliver maximum comfort when walking the full length of a golf course. If you do not feel comfortable with your golf shoes you are likely to lose concentration more quickly – which is non-conducive for inspiring confidence.Golf tees are another necessary addition to a golfing outfit. Two types of tees are available to players either plastic or wooden ones. A golf ball is balanced on top of the tee to allow players to strike the ball from off the ground – typically used for a tee-shot. A golf glove is another addition to a players golf outfit and is traditionally worn on the opposite hand – if you’re right-handed for example a glove is worn on the left-hand. During a swing a golf glove prevents the club from slipping through the hand by offering an additional level of grip. There are many different types of golf glove – each designed to worn snugly to the hand as though it was second layer of skin.A golf trolley allows a player to push, pull or transport a set of golf clubs and bag across a golf course – eliminating the strain of carrying a heavy set of golf clubs and therefore maintaining the energy of the player for stronger, most accurate golf swings. An electric golf trolley allows a player to transport their golf clubs by aid of an electronic motor which is powered by a long-life battery.A golf trolley allows a player to push, pull or transport a set of golf clubs and bag across a golf course – eliminating the strain of carrying a heavy set of golf clubs and therefore maintaining the energy of the player for stronger, most accurate golf swings. An electric golf trolley allows a player to transport their golf clubs by aid of an electronic motor which is powered by a long-life battery.These are fundamental items of equipment for playing golf which can be purchased from various online retailers including The Sports HQ. Historically, golf equipment was expensive to purchase before online retailers like The Sports HQ offered savings of up to 85% on factory direct golf equipment.