10:02 AM
Looking back through history it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the game of golf came into being. A number of possibilities may have ultimately evolved into the modern game including paganica from Italy, chuiwa from China and cambuca in England (known as chambot in France.) What is far better documented though is the origin of golf in Scotland where records exist detailing James II's banning of the game in 1457 because it provided an unwelcome distraction to the learning of archery!
Although golf is a ball sport, unlike most currently enjoyed, it does not require a pitch on which to play it. As a result, for centuries, Scotland has naturally provided a variety of suitable sites which are ideal for establishing a golf course. Whilst a standard course has 18 holes, each sited on a putting green and marked by a flag, the distance between tee and hole varies, as does the length of the fairway, rough areas, bunkers and water and other hazards en route.
Image by John Spooner via Flickr
The variability in terms of distance from tee to hole, permissible hazards en route and the average number of strokes to play each hole plus the often unpredictable weather conditions all add to what is an extremely popular precision sport. Despite James II's efforts golf in Scotland continued to thrive and as a result Scotland boasts some of the finest courses in the world making it a popular choice for those taking advantage of golf breaks UK offers.
The UK has a considerable number of excellent golf courses, many of which provide host venues for international competitions. This has naturally led to a wide selection of UK golf breaks tour operators provide, catering not only for those who wish to play on these well known courses but also for others who may simply want to watch the professionals play in competition.
Because the modern game of golf has Scottish origins, golf courses in Scotland overall are probably better known than those within England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Modern golf resorts are a far cry from the early courses, usually just inland from the beach and built on soil covered dunes (links land) and, in part due to live television coverage of prestigious tournaments, St Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry Ailsa, Royal Dornoch and Muirfield have become instantly associated with golf.
A good golf course takes up a huge area of land, not only to accommodate the 18 holes but also accompanying facilities including practice areas. As a country where much of the population tends to be concentrated into towns and cities and one which possesses undoubted natural beauty, varied terrain, favourable geology and a suitable, albeit changeable climate, it is easy to understand why people enjoy playing golf in Scotland.
Golf has much to offer. Whilst the number of holes per course is generally the same, each course has many individual features, any two holes are rarely the same in terms of distance from the tee, local vegetation and other potential hazards. Also, being an exclusively outdoor game, the prevailing weather can easily add in unexpected challenges - and frequently does.
Given the success of Scottish golf and life hopefully being a bit more peaceful now than in the 15th century - if he was around today, maybe even James II would have a set of clubs rather than a quiver of arrows!
Although golf is a ball sport, unlike most currently enjoyed, it does not require a pitch on which to play it. As a result, for centuries, Scotland has naturally provided a variety of suitable sites which are ideal for establishing a golf course. Whilst a standard course has 18 holes, each sited on a putting green and marked by a flag, the distance between tee and hole varies, as does the length of the fairway, rough areas, bunkers and water and other hazards en route.
Image by John Spooner via FlickrThe variability in terms of distance from tee to hole, permissible hazards en route and the average number of strokes to play each hole plus the often unpredictable weather conditions all add to what is an extremely popular precision sport. Despite James II's efforts golf in Scotland continued to thrive and as a result Scotland boasts some of the finest courses in the world making it a popular choice for those taking advantage of golf breaks UK offers.
The UK has a considerable number of excellent golf courses, many of which provide host venues for international competitions. This has naturally led to a wide selection of UK golf breaks tour operators provide, catering not only for those who wish to play on these well known courses but also for others who may simply want to watch the professionals play in competition.
Because the modern game of golf has Scottish origins, golf courses in Scotland overall are probably better known than those within England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Modern golf resorts are a far cry from the early courses, usually just inland from the beach and built on soil covered dunes (links land) and, in part due to live television coverage of prestigious tournaments, St Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry Ailsa, Royal Dornoch and Muirfield have become instantly associated with golf.
A good golf course takes up a huge area of land, not only to accommodate the 18 holes but also accompanying facilities including practice areas. As a country where much of the population tends to be concentrated into towns and cities and one which possesses undoubted natural beauty, varied terrain, favourable geology and a suitable, albeit changeable climate, it is easy to understand why people enjoy playing golf in Scotland.
Golf has much to offer. Whilst the number of holes per course is generally the same, each course has many individual features, any two holes are rarely the same in terms of distance from the tee, local vegetation and other potential hazards. Also, being an exclusively outdoor game, the prevailing weather can easily add in unexpected challenges - and frequently does.
Given the success of Scottish golf and life hopefully being a bit more peaceful now than in the 15th century - if he was around today, maybe even James II would have a set of clubs rather than a quiver of arrows!
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