The Evolution of the Game of Golf

Today, as per the official rule book of Golf, it is defined as “Playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.”

But if we look back in the past, golf was not played as it is today. Though, the origin of Golf is still ambiguous but according to the widely accepted fact, golf originated in Scotland in 12th century where the shepherds knocked stones into rabbit holes. It is believed that this later evolved into the modern day golf. However, the first similar version of the modern day golf was assumed to be played in 15th century. Since then, several rules and methods have been added and removed from the game.

Where the Scottish golf did not require much attire to play, it was played simply with “stones” and “sticks”, the modern day golf is played using Golf Clubs, Golf balls and Ball Markers. The golf course is not specific in area but is specially designed and has 9 or 18 holes around the course. The golfer carries his paraphernalia on the course and plays the golf according to the rules defined by Professional Golfers Association (PGA), in some countries.

Major countries playing golf toady are Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada, Wales, United States, Sweden, and England. China is seen as a rapidly emerging golf playing country, which is planning to build 1400 public golf courses in next five years.

There are various tournaments and championships, called the majors, organized for the professional golfers. The earliest majors consisted of Open Championship, the Amateur Championship, the U.S. Open, and the U.S. Amateur. In 1974 masters tournaments were introduced. Currently there are four main tournaments, The Master’s Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open championship (oldest of the majors), and the PGA championship.
Some of the major players are Arnord Palmer, Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Mark O’Meara, Tiger Woods, Pádraig Harringto.

Although, Tiger Woods has recently stunned the golf lovers by putting his game on the back burner, (and is responsible for major drop down in the television ratings) he is till date the No.1 male golfer in the world. Latest news confirms that his friend star tennis player Roger Federer said that Tiger Woods will return as a “wonderful Golfer” soon.

Ending the male dominance in this game there are lots of women golfers emerging today. This has lead to the formation of separate Women’s major golf Championships.Ever since the 15th century this game has evolved and now it is increasingly attracting many young talents.

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