Golf is an ancient sport that originated in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It was only later that it gained its wide popularity throughout the world. Major developments in the 18th and 19th centuries expanded golf’s global reach. Despite the game’s early history, it did not go unnoticed in America. In 1657, drunk men were arrested in New York and South Carolina for breaking windows while playing golf. Some of the oldest documented golf records can be found in Albany, New York.
Origin
Some historians believe that golf originated in China. In ancient China, players hit a small leather ball with multiple clubs over long distances to a hole. One such game, chuiwan, is known to date back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and is mentioned in a book published by a schoolmaster from Aberdeen, Scotland. This game was also introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages.
Development
Early versions of the game developed in America around the mid-1600s. These Dutch precursors to golf gradually gained popularity. During the 1770s, it became very popular among the Scottish and British communities in New York City, the Carolinas, and Savannah, Georgia. Ship manifests document the influx of golf clubs and balls from Europe. By the mid-1800s, it had become a popular sport throughout the United States.
Integration
During the civil rights movement, the integration of golf was a highly contentious issue, with national civil rights organizations arguing over the symbolism of golf and its role in the subculture. African-American golfers forged the most successful black sporting organization in America, and UGA participants fought to join the white Professional Golfers’ Association. Throughout this history of golf and race, you’ll discover the emergence of a subculture that merged the two sports.
African American golfers
Charlie Sifford is known as the “Jackie Robinson of golf,” and received a tour card at age 30 after PGA desegregation in 1961. But before Sifford’s breakthrough, other African American players chipped away at golf’s racial history. They included James Black, Jim Dent, Lee Elder, Pete Brown, Calvin Peete, John Shippen, and Bill Spiller.
Rules of the game
The Rules of golf in America include a number of important components, including the rules that govern how the game is played. First, the Rules of golf set out the general principles of the game and define five defined areas of the course. In addition, the Rules set forth the types of objects that may interfere with play, as well as the various penalties and relief procedures. The Rules also cover the three central elements of golf competitions: individual, match, and stroke play.
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"I never said most of the things I said."
Yogi…
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