Do yo know who invented golf?

Golf is definitely one of the oldest sports played today and as such, it has a rich and interesting history behind it. If you love playing golf and have been practicing it for a while, maybe it is time to learn a bit more about it. In this article, we´ll go briefly through the history of the origins of golf. Who invented golf and where? How did everything start and when did golf actually become a popular sport? Continue reading if you find golf history interesting. Let’s get to know golf a little better!

The actual origins of golf are unclear and up for debate; however, We can also say the scots are widely credited for the invention of modern-day golf in the early 15th century; However, sometimes that is up for debate. The ancient game roots came traced as far back as the 13th century when ball and stick games were played in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The game consisted in hitting an object and reaching the target in as few strokes as possible.

James VII of Scotland and Duke of Albany at the time is said to have played the first-ever international tournament in 1681 when he participated in a game against two English men for the rights to claim the game for Scotland or England.  As for important modern golf figures, Old Tom Morris, a former Scottish golf player, is considered the father of modern-day golf and the first professional golfer. He lived and died in his hometown of St. Andrews, the home of golf. His amazing career took him from caddie, to championship winner, and to designer of over 70 renowned golf courses.

When did golf actually become a popular sport?

What made the sport so popular at the beginning of the 19th century and until the late 20th century, were the pros who played and dominated the sports during these times. During the 19th century, the game spread to the United Kingdom, the British empire, and the United States, and first evolved in the Scottish countryside into what is known today when it was introduced in St. Andrew’s, known as the home of golf. That’s when our friend Old Tom Harris comes into the picture.

Want to know more about who invented golf? In the late 19th century, the United States Golf Association (USGA) was created and the first US Open, US Amateur, and Women’s Amateur golf tournaments were first played. A key important figure during that time would be John Reed who brought the game from Scotland and made it popular in the United States. John Reed founded St. Andrew’s golf club in New York, in 1888, one of the founding clubs in the USGA.

In 1927, the first Ryders cup was played where British and American pro players matched their skills. During those times, Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead dominated the Sport. Later, in the early 1960s, the appearance of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus helped shape modern golf.

Thanks for reading! Hopefully, you have learned more about who invented golf and the game’s origins. Visit us at Play in One to book your next golf getaway.  Our travel experts will help set you up with the best golf vacation in Spain and Portugal.