Nina Caldwell
Golf is considered one of the oldest sports in the world, with the modern version of the game believed to have originated in Scotland in the Middle Ages. The sport's earliest known rules were written in 1744, and the first 18-hole golf course was created in 1764. However, the game's origins are debated, with some scholars arguing that a similar game was played in the Netherlands in the 17th century or even earlier in the Roman Empire. Today, golf is played by millions worldwide and is especially popular in the US, which boasts over 15,000 golf courses.
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What You'll Learn
The origins of golf
The game's earliest known predecessor, a golf-like game played by the Dutch on 26 February 1297, involved using a stick to hit a leather ball into a target several hundred yards away. The winner was determined by who could hit the ball into the target using the fewest strokes. Some scholars argue that a similar game was also played in the 17th-century Netherlands, predating the game in Scotland.
In the 16th century, golf gained official recognition in Scotland and began to spread internationally. Mary, Queen of Scots, played the game in 1567 at Musselburgh Links, certified as the oldest golf course in the world. The first game of golf at the legendary Old Course at St. Andrews was played in 1574, considered one of the oldest courses worldwide. The sport then expanded to France with Mary, Queen of Scots, and subsequently to other parts of the world.
The earliest surviving rules of golf were written in March 1744 for the Company of Gentlemen Golfers (later renamed The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers), which played at Leith Links in Scotland. The standard 18-hole golf course was created at St Andrews in 1764 when members modified the course from 22 to 18 holes. The first international golf contest was played in 1681 between James VII of Scotland and two English courtiers, marking the spread of the sport beyond its Scottish origins.
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The oldest golf courses
While the origins of golf are unclear, it is generally believed that the modern version of the game originated in Scotland, with the first documentation of the sport dating back to 1457 when it was recognised by King James II.
St Andrews Old Course, Scotland
The St Andrews Old Course is widely regarded as the spiritual home of golf and the oldest golf course in the world. The first documented proof of golf being played at St Andrews is from 1552 when Archbishop Hamilton signed an official charter recognising the right of the people of St Andrews to play golf on the land. However, it is believed that golf was played at St Andrews throughout the 1400s.
Musselburgh Links, Scotland
The Musselburgh Links, also known as The Old Links, is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest golf course in the world. There is evidence of golf being played at Musselburgh as early as 1672, and it is rumoured that Mary, Queen of Scots played there even earlier in 1567.
Bruntsfield Links, Scotland
The existence of golf at Bruntsfield Links was documented in 1695 in city records, making it the oldest documented playing area for the game. While only the short-hole game is played there now, it is still open to the public and golf can be played for free during the summer months.
Montrose, Scotland
Golf has been played at Montrose since 1562, making it one of the oldest golf courses in the world. The club was formed in 1810 and received royal patronage from Prince Albert in 1845. The course is located on the Angus coastline and offers stunning scenery and a world-class layout.
Royal Calcutta Golf Club, India
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club, founded in 1829, is one of the oldest golf clubs outside of the British Isles. It is a notable reminder of the expansion of golf by British colonialists during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Parador de Málaga Golf, Spain
The Parador de Málaga Golf course in Costa del Sol, Spain, was founded in 1925 and is considered one of the most pioneering golf courses in the country. The sport quickly gained popularity in the province of Malaga, leading to the development of several other courses in the region.
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Golf's international popularity
Although the origins of golf are unclear, it is generally accepted that the modern game was developed in Scotland from the Middle Ages onwards. The sport was recognised by King James II of Scotland in 1457, when he stated that it was prohibited because it distracted from military archery practice. The game's international popularity, however, did not take off until the late 19th century, when it spread to the rest of the United Kingdom, the British Empire, and the United States.
Golf's global popularity has continued to grow and consolidate. The sport is particularly popular in certain countries, with Ireland topping the list based on the frequency of online searches for the term "golf". Other countries with a strong interest in golf include Canada, Scotland, the United States, Japan, England, Australia, Germany, France, Sweden, and South Africa. These top 10 golfing countries account for 74% of global golfing.
The majority of the growth in golf is occurring in Asia, which is home to 32% of golf course development. This growth is correlated with real estate developments, as 59% of golf projects are tied to resort developments. Many Asian countries have opened their borders to investments and aim to attract tourists, and the sport caters to businessmen who enjoy spending time with important individuals on the golf course.
Golf's global appeal is further demonstrated by its presence in other parts of the world, such as the early golf course built on Bunce Island in Sierra Leone by British slave traders in the 1770s, and the spread of the game to British colonies by Scottish soldiers, expatriates, and immigrants during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
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Golf's Olympic history
Golf has a long history as a sport, and it has also featured in the Olympics, albeit with a long hiatus. The sport was first recognised as part of the Summer Olympic Games programme in 1900, in Paris. It featured in the 1904 Games in St. Louis, but then took a 112-year break before returning for Rio 2016. It has featured in every Summer Olympics since, including Tokyo 2020.
In its early Olympic days, golf was a men's-only sport, with the exception of the 1900 Games, which featured competitions for both men and women. The 1904 Games also featured the first and only team golf competition, with teams from various regional golf associations across the United States. The 1904 tournament was also notable for the unusual swing style of Canadian gold medallist George Lyon, who had previously played cricket and swung his golf club in a similar manner.
Golf's return to the Olympics in 2016 was not without controversy. Several of the world's top male golfers, including Jason Day and Dustin Johnson, withdrew from the competition, citing the Zika virus epidemic. However, the sport's governing body, the International Golf Federation, has helped to ensure its continued presence at the Games.
The format of Olympic golf competitions has been the subject of some debate, with some calling for a more engaging format to attract viewers. Since its reintroduction, the sport has consisted of men's and women's individual stroke play. However, a new mixed team event will be added for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
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Women in golf
While the origins of golf are unclear, it is widely accepted that the modern version of the game originated in Scotland, with the first documentation of the sport dating back to 1457. The sport has since expanded globally, with the top 10 golfing countries accounting for 74% of global golfing participation.
Golf has traditionally been associated with the upper echelons of society. Today, women are taking up space in this arena, with organisations like the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) leading the way. Founded in 1950 by 13 pioneering women golfers, the LPGA has grown into one of the most influential organisations in sports, with over 15,500 members worldwide. The LPGA's Girls Golf programme introduces girls to the game, empowering them with confidence, friendships, and life skills.
The Women in Golf Foundation Inc. is another organisation dedicated to growing the game for women and youth. They host camps and tournaments that focus on technique, course strategy, mental conditioning, and competitive play preparation. These events provide mentorship and community for young female golfers, helping them to achieve their goals, whether that's making a high school team or mastering the game.
The Peggy Kirk Bell Junior Golf Tour, hosted by the LPGA/PGA-certified instructors, is a two-week tournament that combines golf fundamentals with life skills and character development. Advanced high school girls can also apply for an intensive session with World Long Drive Champion Alexis Belton and LPGA Tour player Shasta Averyhardt, focusing on purposeful practice and course strategy.
Women & Golf is a website and community for women golfers, providing news, reviews, and rules explanations. It covers a range of topics, from golf courses and equipment to player profiles and tournament schedules.
The LPGA Tour, meanwhile, provides the latest news, scores, player profiles, and tournament schedules for fans of women's professional golf.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not. While golf is one of the oldest sports still being played, it is generally accepted that its modern form developed in Scotland from the Middle Ages onwards. The earliest record of a golf-like game is from 1297, when the Dutch played a game with a stick and leather ball.
Golf became an international sport in the late 19th century when it spread to the rest of the United Kingdom, the British Empire, and the United States.
The oldest golf clubs outside of the British Isles are the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (1829), the Mauritius Gymkhana Club (1844), and the Pau Golf Club (1856) in southwestern France.
