History of Golf
The origin of golf is not quite clear till the present moment. Some specialists and golf professionals are inclined to think that Scotland is the place where golf originated.
In 1297 in the Netherlands the Dutch began playing a game which born a strong resemblance to golf. While playing they used a stick and a leather ball. The winner had to hit the ball with the least number of strokes.
In China people also invented a game that had some resemblance with nowadays golf. The equipment included 10 clubs. Such clubs as cuanbang, pubang and shaobang can be compared to a driver, two-wood, and three-wood. Even at that times the given game was the priority of well to do people. Not without reason the clubs were unlaid with jade and gold.
These examples show that during several centuries our ancestor played games which could be the progenitors of golf. However a spokesman for Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has another opinion. He adheres to the following opinion: “Stick and ball games have been around for many centuries, but golf as we know it today, played over 18 holes, clearly originated in Scotland.” The word “golf” which originated form the Dutch word “kolf” means “stick”, “club” or “bat”. This fact may be also serve as an argument in favour of this theory.
Speaking about first written rules there also confirmations that they appeared namely in Scotland. Thus the first major tournament and competitions were organized in Scotland.
The history of development of golf equipment also underwent great changes. Before 1930 the golf ball could have different sizes and weight and only in 1930 the United States Association set standards for it. It is interesting to note that the first golf clubs were made of wood. In 1890 designers and manufactures began to introduce steel shafts. The latest technologies provide graphite shafts and lightweight titanium. Such decisions help golfer to make their shots more effective.
The history of golf counts several centuries. Of course there were great changes and innovations in this game. And all this development carried golf to perfection.









