How Did Golf Start?

It has been said that golf started in Scotland in the 1600′s and was played with a stick and a ball from one point to another or village to village some also say the shepherds played it with their crooks and hit pebbles. The oldest golf course is located in St. Andrews and people started playing there in the 16th century. In the 18th century is when the game had started 13 rules of the game. The word Golf has been rumored to mean “Gentleman only Ladies forbidden” this is not true though. The origin of the word Golf may be from the word “Kolf” meaning stick, club or bat. The USGA (United States Golf Association) started in 1894 and following them in 1916 was the PGA ( Professional Golf Association). The first open championship took place in 1860 and back then there was no prize of money,but a red morocco leather belt with silver clasps.The first U.S. Open in 1895 had a money prize of $335 and the winner Horace Rawlins won $150 now in 2009 the Prize was $7 million with the top winner receiving $1,350,000.

There have been many rumors and different theory’s about how golf started and its history. One thing is for sure, it is now one of the most played and popular sports in the world. Golf has fans worldwide, included a strong retail, selling many golf products. Golf now at attracts golfers of all ages and skill levels. No longer is just for the older rich gentlemen; anyone can afford to play our great game of golf.