The Origins of Golf and the Modern Day Golf Swing
There are many questions concerning the origin of the game of golf.
Golf, as we know the game today, was first played in Scotland during the 12th century.
The first games of golf were played by shepherds using sticks to hit balls in rabbit holes in the ground.
The shepherds used crude sticks and their swing did not resemble today's modern stand and swing mechanics.
For a long time, there was an issue over the banning of the game of golf.
Farmers and royals fought over the land that was being used for golf.
This is also where the first permanent 18-hole golf course originated.
Scotland is also where most of the modern day rules of golf were made and set precedence.
According to Scottish history, the game of golf was very popular especially among the royals and lords and ladies.
Even Mary, Queen of Scots, was reputed to have been among the first women to play the game.
It is believed that she is the one to have invented the term "caddie" because she always had a military cadet carry her clubs for her throughout the game.
The term "fore" which is used by players today dates all the way back to the 1700s.
This term is used to warn players ahead to be careful of an incoming ball.
It is a courtesy used by players as a warning for danger.
When the game was first introduced, there were actually 22 holes in a single game and not 18 as today's courses, the first 11 holes were played regularly.
Then the players turned around and played the holes backwards; thus making a total of 22 holes.
In 1764, some of the holes were said to be too short, so it was decided to combine them to make the course shorter; thereby going from 22 holes to 18 holes.
The courses were set up according to the topography of the land.
Most of the time, they were set up in soil covered sand dune inlets by the ocean.
In present day courses, the holes consist of the tee box, the fairway, rough spots, hazards, and putting greens.
Holes are classified by their pars, the number of strokes it takes an experienced player to get the ball in the hole.
Most holes are either a par 3, par 4, or par 5.
The rules of golf are international standards, and as mentioned previously were first written in Scotland.
The main idea of the rules is fairness.
Play the ball as it lies unless rules state otherwise.
Along with the official rules, there is also golf etiquette, which is basic courteousness to other players and maintaining the course for others enjoyment.
Beginners should review all the rules carefully, and should also ask a more experienced player about golf swing instructions.
This will ensure that when you first get on the greens you will not delay other players.
Golf, as we know the game today, was first played in Scotland during the 12th century.
The first games of golf were played by shepherds using sticks to hit balls in rabbit holes in the ground.
The shepherds used crude sticks and their swing did not resemble today's modern stand and swing mechanics.
For a long time, there was an issue over the banning of the game of golf.
Farmers and royals fought over the land that was being used for golf.
This is also where the first permanent 18-hole golf course originated.
Scotland is also where most of the modern day rules of golf were made and set precedence.
According to Scottish history, the game of golf was very popular especially among the royals and lords and ladies.
Even Mary, Queen of Scots, was reputed to have been among the first women to play the game.
It is believed that she is the one to have invented the term "caddie" because she always had a military cadet carry her clubs for her throughout the game.
The term "fore" which is used by players today dates all the way back to the 1700s.
This term is used to warn players ahead to be careful of an incoming ball.
It is a courtesy used by players as a warning for danger.
When the game was first introduced, there were actually 22 holes in a single game and not 18 as today's courses, the first 11 holes were played regularly.
Then the players turned around and played the holes backwards; thus making a total of 22 holes.
In 1764, some of the holes were said to be too short, so it was decided to combine them to make the course shorter; thereby going from 22 holes to 18 holes.
The courses were set up according to the topography of the land.
Most of the time, they were set up in soil covered sand dune inlets by the ocean.
In present day courses, the holes consist of the tee box, the fairway, rough spots, hazards, and putting greens.
Holes are classified by their pars, the number of strokes it takes an experienced player to get the ball in the hole.
Most holes are either a par 3, par 4, or par 5.
The rules of golf are international standards, and as mentioned previously were first written in Scotland.
The main idea of the rules is fairness.
Play the ball as it lies unless rules state otherwise.
Along with the official rules, there is also golf etiquette, which is basic courteousness to other players and maintaining the course for others enjoyment.
Beginners should review all the rules carefully, and should also ask a more experienced player about golf swing instructions.
This will ensure that when you first get on the greens you will not delay other players.