The history of golf
 Although there is some disagreement about the true nation of origin of the beloved sport of golf, many historians and fans alike are happy to accept that it most likely came out of Scotland in the twelfth century. Games very close in the rules and aims of golf were also around in China and the Netherlands at around the same time. In any respect, Mary Queen of Scots was rumoured to have played golf prior to her death in the late sixteenth century, and by the seventeenth century there was a game being played that was known as ‘kolf’ in Dutch, and which involved the use of a club or stick, a ball, and a hole in which the ball needed to land.
In more recent years, golf has evolved into a highly competitive game complete with world renowned tournaments, golfing celebrities, and huge prize monies and endorsement deals. This would not have been possible were it not for the many innovations in golfing technology that led up to the twentieth century. The condition of golf courses, for instance, has vastly improved in the last few hundred years, and this is due to the invention of motorized lawn mowers and lawn fertilizers and pesticides. Ball and club improvements (such as the divets in the balls that improve aerodynamics, and increased strength, durability and lightness in clubs) have also made the sport more competitive. The widespread take-up of TV has also helped remarkably with the popularity of the sport, bringing golf to new audiences and introducing famous golfers to the masses. |
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