The Origins of Golf

There are various opinions regarding the true origin of the game of golf. It is however commonly believed that the sporting game of golf began in Europe as early as the middle ages or the 1400’s. It is commonly believed that the earliest games of golf were played in Scotland. It has also been reported that there are Dutch paintings that date back to the 18th century portraying a similar game on land and ice. Historians have also reported that golf came down from a game played by the Romans called paganica.

The early games of golf were common to the basics of the game we know today. The object was to strike a ball towards a target with a club within a minimal amount of hits or blows. The Roman game of paganica was played with a ball and a stick and was perhaps why the Romans can be credited with the beginnings of golf as well as the Scots and the Dutch.

History has recorded that many of the early kings were against the game of golf. They thought that it would distract the people from attending church and therefore banned it from being played on Sundays. King James II proclaimed that the game “was not to be used.” He was concerned that it would lure his people away from the archery games which were vital to fight off their enemies. Apparently, it was the Scot, John Reid, that first brought golfing to America. The first golf championship games were played in Scotland. Soon after, England and America also established championship games.