Golf History: From Scottish Links to Global Phenomenon

When we talk about Golf History, the chronological story of how golf originated, spread worldwide, and transformed over centuries. Also known as the evolution of the game, it golf history connects players, courses, and culture. The narrative encompasses golf equipment, clubs, balls, and accessories that have shifted from wooden heads to high‑tech composites, and major championships, tournaments like The Open, the U.S. Open, and the Masters that set the sport’s standards. Understanding these links requires a look at how early Scottish shepherds first hit stones on the dunes, how iron clubs appeared in the 19th century, and how televised events turned golf into a billion‑dollar industry.

Key Milestones in Golf History

The first recorded mention of golf dates back to 1457 in Scotland, where the game was banned because it distracted archers. By the 1500s, the sport spread to the British aristocracy, and the first official rules were penned in 1744 at the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Golf legends, players like Old Tom Morris, Bobby Jones, and later Tiger Woods, who reshaped public perception and inspired equipment innovation became the faces of each era. Their achievements influence modern training methods and course design, showing that the sport’s heritage is not static but a living guide for today’s players.

Fast‑forward to the 20th century: the introduction of steel shafts in the 1920s, the rise of rubber‑core balls in the 1960s, and the launch of computer‑aided club fitting in the 2000s each marked a turning point. Meanwhile, major championships grew from local gatherings to global spectacles—The Open now travels across historic seaside courses, while the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup adds a season‑long storyline. These developments enable players to push distance records, but they also raise questions about tradition versus technology. For anyone building a new golf facility or renovating an old one, the lessons from golf history help choose the right flooring, lighting, and turf that honor the game’s past while meeting modern performance standards.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into these themes. Whether you’re curious about how early clubs were crafted, why the Masters green is famously sloped, or which modern golfer is reshaping the sport, the collection offers practical insights and rich anecdotes that bring golf history to life.