|
Golf The Game Of Kings And Commoners
By Dr. Richard Myers
Evidence suggests that the game of was played as early as 1354. Though unlike our current understanding of golf, this earliest version was modeled more in the style of hockey. This form of is suggested to have appeared in Flanders (versus most attributing to Scotland).
In 1421 it is noted that three individuals brought to Scotland. Hugh Kennedy, Robert Steward, and John Smale are identified and credited with this honor.
However, because threatened the skill and sport of archery, in 1457 the Scots Parliament of James II banned it (along with the European version of football) on certain days of the week. Gowf (as it was known) could no longer be played on Sundays since, even way back when, it interfered with military training. Scotland was at war, on and off, with the English, and soldiers apparently were skipping military practice for a quick game.
This Sunday ban stayed in place, and in fact was "reaffirmed" by the next two monarchs all the way up to the early 1500s. However, finally, when the Scottish and English signed the Treaty of Glasgow in 1502, the ban on was lifted. It is interesting to note that upon the lifting of that ban, James IV is reported to have made the first purchase of equipment - a set of clubs.
Though remained mostly a game for the elite, by 1527 the common man took up the game. Sir Robert Maule is attributed as the first "commoner" to play a round of on Barry Links, Angus.
The first female golfer is said to have been Mary Queen of Scots. Her first game was played in 1567 shortly after the death of her husband.
Even way back when, nothing inferred with that round of golf. In 1641, Charles I while playing a round of at Leith, received word
|
|
We strive to provide only
quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to
golf that you would like us to cover, please contact us at
any time.
And again, thank you to
those contributing daily to our history of golf website.
|
