Golf is hugely popular sport around the world. The appeal of the game is obvious. It does not require a huge amount of physical exertion, the player spends a few hours outside in the fresh air, and it is a great game to play with friends, colleagues, and potential business partners. In recent years, the popularity of golf has drastically increased. For example, in 2016, the number of golfers around the world grew by five million new players, and in 2020, the number of golfers the world over numbered close to 25 million.
Another reason for golf’s increase in popularity, is the sport’s massive success on the betting scene. It might shock many to find out that golf is one of the biggest betting sports in the world. Online betting sites like www.betstation.com offer extensive coverage of all of the golf matches, big and small, as well as a look at the most prestigious golf tournaments. The reason for the sport’s popularity in the betting world, is due to the fact that golf has no set season, meaning a golf match is occurring at any given day during the year.
With the sport’s increase in prestige, many might wonder where golf comes from. In this article we are going to look at the origins of golf as we know it today.
The Origins of the Game
While it is largely accepted that the game of golf as we know it today originated in Scotland, it is worth mentioning a few precursors that could be dated back to an earlier age. For example, not-quite-authentic story, dates a game similar to golf to the 1200s, when the Dutch supposedly played a game with a leather ball and a stick which resembled a golf club.
Another early reference to a game that may or may not have been golf can be found in a ruling made by the council of Brussels, banning a game called “colf”. The game is still played today, and while it resembles golf, there are quite a few differences.
Modern Golf’s Scottish Origins
The game as we know it today, is largely agreed to have originated in Scotland. While this fact is often disputed, with the claim that stick-and-ball games have been around for a long time, many argue that golf, played over 18 holes is a clearly Scottish invention.
The first mention of Scottish golf can be dated back to the mid-1400s, and throughout Scottish history it has been enjoyed by notable Scottish figures, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, King James II, etc. Today, the game is enjoyed widely, not just in Scotland, but in the UK in general, as well as, more broadly, the world.
Where is Golf the Most Popular?
Nowadays, golf is widely played around the world, however, certain countries show a passion for golf which exceeds the rest. The countries of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States are places where golf is thriving. Apart from them, it is also growing in popularity around the world, including Canada, Japan, South Africa, etc.
