A History of Golf
The game of golf which today is enjoyed
by men , women, children, royalty and commoners alike is clothed within
misty origins
that take us back centuries. It was however,
during the Eighteenth Century that organisation came to the game of
golf.
As it's popularity increased Clubs, such as the Gentlemen Golfers
of Leith, devoted exclusively to the game of golf where formed.
The common practice of these clubs was, as today,
to hold competitions. For this purpose a silver ball attached to a
silver club was purchased
and on it was inscribed the date and name of the competition winner.
This winner would also become the captain of the club for the following
year.
As these new founded Clubs were also
a meeting place for socialising it seems rather appropriate that the
most
coveted trophy of the modern age should be The Claret Jug which is
presented to the winner of The British Open Championship.
Initiated in 1860 at the Prestwick Golf Club it was, as it is today,
one of the major competitions within the game.
The origins of the game of golf may
well be a mystery but few would argue that the true home of golf is
Scotland.
Developed over the years on her seaside links courses she has left
her mark on all aspects of the game.
From providing great players, outstanding golf course designs around
the world, true ambassadors and teachers of the game to
people around the world, to providing the rules and regulations that
now govern the ancient and noble game we call golf.
With organised golf competitions came
the need for a common agreement on the way the game should be played.
The early rules where drawn up by Gentlemen Golfers of Leith in 1744
.
Known as the "Articles of Laws in Playing Golf" they
went only a certain way in uniforming the game for, unfortunately,
as new clubs
developed they looked to the Articles for guidance
but still persisted in drawing up their own rules thus causing confusion
of the greens.
This state of confusion was to continue until
1897 when the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
was given the task, by leading golf clubs
of the day, of compiling a uniform code of rules. This
they did and with some measure of success but as golf continued to
spread
at a phenomenal rate, not only in Great Britain but around the world
the need for greater uniformity increased.
The outcome is that the modern game
of golf now requires all players, professional and amateur and worldwide
competitions
to be played under the rules and regulations that have been set down
by the Joint Decisions Committee.
Formed by the Royal & Ancient and the USGA, the governing body
of American golf,
to establish the required uniformity the Committee revises and publishes
the "Decisions on the Rules" each year.
First appearing in 1984 it has marked a significant breakthrough in
cooperation and understanding of the modern game.
The pastimes of the Scots over the
centuries has today become the passion of millions of people around
the world.
Its appeal no longer just within the realms of players but also with
the untold numbers that watch the game as a spectator sport.
What has caused this popularity?
Without doubt the main reason has to
be that throughout the centuries golf has remained a
dignified and honest sport that epitomises the essence of fine manners,
good taste and humour.
It is also a sport that poses the ultimate challenge.
A true test of character for
it is undoubtedly true that to cheat at golf is to cheat no one but
oneself.
As a sport it has managed to retain
its dignity and traditions even through the upheavals of our turbulent
lives.
Managing to give a sense of stability in an ever changing world.
Time spent on a golf course today promises us the past, present and
future. Stability that most people crave.
A great leveler, thanks to the unique
handicap system that is operated within the game of golf.
It is possibly the only game, past, present or future that theoretically
offers the opportunity
for amateurs and professionals alike the chance to play together with
the same chance of winning.
What other sport can claim the same?
It is no wonder that with the development
of modern golf clubs, the rubber ball and the building of numerous
golf courses
- all of which have brought the financial cost of the game within
the reach of the average person -
that Golf has come into its own as the peoples sport.
Not only a game for playing but for
spectating offering the spectator a chance to lose themselves for
a short time in the ability of their
chosen golfer and watching with awe and admiration as the ball is
struck honestly on the centre of the clubface with a driver and then
soar like a bird from the tee against a backdrop of blue sky, only
to fall once more onto a green fairway far below.
For those spectators fortunate enough
to follow their superstars around the golf course
they benefit from fresh air, exercise and the camaraderie that is
inspired by the game of golf.
However, for those millions of people around
the world that are unable, for one reason or another,
to follow on foot the joys and tribulations of their chosen superstars
today's television coverage of the
Major Tour Events and Competition means that they to can sample the
delights of the game we call GOLF!
So how do we sum up ?
What better way than with Sir Winston Churchill who was reported
to have said about the aim of Golf -
" to hit a very
small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill
designed for the purpose."
That it may well be but we must also
say that Golf is an exceptional sport, one that is for everyone in
today's world,
young or old - male or female - royal or commoner - player or spectator
- the ancient game of yesteryear that remains firmly in our lives
today.
There not only to enjoy but to learn from its age old traditions of
fair play, courtesy, honesty and selflessness.
