The History of Golf

Golf is a sport that has seen a surge in popularity in recent times. However, golf has been around for a very long time and has evolved greatly throughout time. The origins of golf are found in fifteenth century Scotland. The people of Scotland had a game where they would hit stones through the sand and rabbit holes using sticks. There are those who argue this as there was other games played involving sticks and balls but the essence of golf, putting the ball in the hole, began in Scotland.

The popularity of the game increased with the royal family taking up the sport and it spread through to other countries as well. By the 1800’s golf was quite popular among both men and women. By this time, the golf clubs were designed as they are now and there are many similarities to the game then as it is played now. The clubs and balls were handmade and very expensive so was reserved for those who were wealthy.

The advent of metal clubs and mass production in the late nineteenth century opened the game of golf up to those who were not as wealthy. Now, everyone could enjoy the game as it was much more affordable to play. Golf clubs began cropping up throughout the world and the sport was at an all time high in popularity. In 1894 the USGA was established, in 1900 golf was introduced as an Olympic event and in 1914 the PGA was formed.

Technological advancements were coming rapidly, allowing people to purchase equipment cheaper and hit the ball farther. Golf tournaments were springing up throughout the world and advertisers began taking notice and sponsored events. Golf stars started emerging in the 1950’s and people began to notice and watch the games as they were televised. The popular players of the time began to get a following and even more people started joining the masses to play the game.

Today, there are stars such as Tiger Woods who have propelled the game to new heights. The skill level of professional players is at an all time high. Amateurs and weekend players enjoy honing their skills and playing a game. Golf is enjoyed today by people of all ages and genders. There are golf courses in every area of the world and most clubs provide instruction. Certain areas of the world have become popular for golf vacations where the entire family can enjoy lessons, games as well as sight seeing in the local area.

The History of Golf Balls

In the game of golf, golf balls are struck by clubs with the objective of putting the ball in a hole in as few strokes (shots) as possible. At the beginning of each hole, a ball may be placed upon a tee to steady the ball and help the golfer achieve more loft on his shot. Off of the tee box, a player must strike the ball as it lies on the ground. Once a golfer reaches the green, he may choose to utilize a putter, a club with a flat clubface, to roll the ball towards the hole.

In the beginning of golf, in early 1800’s, golf balls were covered with leather and stuffed with goose feathers. By the mid-1800’s, a harder ball was developed using gutta-percha packing material, commonly found in tree milk. Through time, the bramble ball was developed, with a hard dimpled cover. At the turn of the century a rubber ball was developed by the B.F. Goodrich Company, with hard rubber core wound by rubber threads and covered by a synthetic material.

Today, there are primarily two types of golf balls used in the game: the balata ball and the surlyn ball. Regardless of the type of ball used, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has regulated conformity among all balls to be played. The USGA ruled that all balls must be round, no larger than 1.68” in diameter, and may not be heavier than 1.62 oz.

The balata ball is also known as a three-piece ball. It contains a hard rubber core, is wound by rubber bands and has a cover made of a synthetic material called balata. Balata is essentially a soft cover that many advanced golfers believe make it easier for them to shape their shots. The drawback to this softer cover is that it is not very resistant to nicks and cuts throughout repeated use.

The two-piece ball contains a larger rubber core, and a thick cover of a synthetic material called surlyn. Although this harder cover may make it more difficult to shape shots, and it may create more bounce, it is more durable than the balata ball. It is also thought that it is more difficult to achieve a desired backspin on the ball with a two-piece ball.

The major manufacturers of golf balls are Titleist, Dunlop, MaxFli, Top Flight, Pinnacle and Precept. Golf balls are generally packaged in boxes of three called sleeves. Retailers will typically sell boxes of multiple sleeves of balls, usually in quantities of 15-18. A box of golf balls normally retails between $20 and $50, depending on the maker and brand.

Golf for the Whole Family

It used to be that the man in the family would go out for the afternoon with his buddies and spend the day playing golf. Over the years, more women have become interested in golf and they started playing too. With the popularity of some of the more popular golf professionals, especially Tiger Woods, children are also very interested in the game. Now, golf time looks a bit different. Still, people go out with their friends for a round of golf but the family taking the afternoon together to play is becoming even more popular and a great time for everyone to bond and do something enjoyable for the afternoon. Golf has become a great family past time.

For people who want something fun to do as a family, golf is ideal. The family can spend some quality time together, in the outdoors enjoying the scenery. They can add a bit of competitive spirit by playing the game and can also help one another honing the skills of the game. There are many courses that encourage family time by offering certain days and times at a discount for families. There are also activities that are designed specifically for families such as lessons and golf vacations.

Golf vacations are increasingly popular ways of taking a vacation. Many of the golf vacations that are available are to locations that are beautiful, sunny and have plenty of things to do besides golf. The packages that are available often include lessons, games and lodging at luxurious resorts. The entire family can enjoy the travel experience together. They can enjoy the luxury of their accommodations as anyone would on a vacation.

When it is lesson time, everyone can split up into their respective classes and learn how to better their performance on the course. This is a great way to get some alone time while giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy themselves. When it comes time to play, the whole family can hit the course and enjoy putting into practice what they learned. After golf, they family can enjoy sight seeing and restaurants in the location in which they are staying. It is an ideal, well rounded vacation that the entire family can enjoy.

With so many options available now for all ages and genders, it is no wonder golf is becoming a family past time. Golf can be played by everyone and enjoyed by everyone. Practice can be a lot more fun too with everyone participating. When it comes time to play, it’s fun to compete with one another and enjoy each others’ company.