When was Golf Invented
Golf is a popular sport played by millions of people of all ages around the world. But when was golf invented? This post will answer that question and then tell you a few interesting facts about golf!
When was golf invented?
The exact origins of golf are debated amongst historians. The major theory is that golf originated from a Roman game called paganica where people hit stuffed leather balls with bent sticks. However, some believe that the Chinese played a ball striking game called chuiwan before the ancient Romans invented paganica. There is little doubt, however, that the modern game of golf was invented in the 12th century by Scottish shepherds. They hit stones into rabbit holes on the current site of the Old Course at St Andrews. Over the next few hundred years, the game grew in popularity and rules were first drafted.
Summary: While golf may trace it origins back to the Ancient Romans or Chinese, the modern game of golf was invented in the 12th century.
Interesting Facts About Golf
- If a golfer hits another persons ball they incur a 2 stroke penalty.
- The first 18 hole golf course built in the US was on a sheep farm in Downers Grove, Illinois. The course is still situated in the same spot today!
- China opened its first golf course in 1984. By the end of 2009, there were about 600 golf courses in China. That’s an average of 24 new golf courses per year!
- If someone hits 4 under par for a hole (a hole in one on a par five) they score a ‘condor’. No one has ever hit 4 under par in a professional tournament!
- Not surprisingly, golf is classified as a ‘non-contact’ sport.
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