Lesser-Known Facts About The History of Golf

The game of golf, with roots stretching back centuries, holds a surprising array of little-known facts and historical oddities. From the evolution of its equipment to unexpected lunar play, these details shed light on the sport’s unique journey. Over the course of my decades-long career as a golfer, I’ve stumbled across more than a few interesting tidbits.

Historically, the earliest golf balls bore little resemblance to today’s aerodynamic designs. Dating back to the 14th century, the first golf balls were crafted simply from hardwood, typically beech or box trees. This rudimentary form later evolved into the “feathery,” a hand-sewn leather pouch meticulously stuffed with goose or chicken feathers, representing a significant early innovation in ball design.

That’s a completely different game than we’re seeing now. Rory wouldn’t have been able to hit his iconic Master’s shot without a modern ball (though I’m sure he would still be an incredible golfer with older equipment). He just might have a different name for the person carrying his clubs.

The very term “caddy” has a royal lineage. Originating from the French word “cadet,” meaning “youngest son” or “young military trainee,” the term gained prominence in Scotland. Its introduction is attributed to Mary Queen of Scots, who had French military cadets carry her golf clubs for her, thereby embedding the term into golf’s lexicon.

And that’s not the only piece of interesting international history.

Golf has faced opposition throughout its history, leading to multiple prohibitions. In the 15th century, King James II of Scotland famously banned the sport. His rationale was that golf interfered with crucial archery practice, deemed essential for national defense. This ban was subsequently reaffirmed by King James III, underscoring the perceived threat golf posed to military readiness at the time.

The venerable old course at St Andrews in Scotland, recognized globally as the home of golf and the standard 18-hole layout, did not always feature that configuration. Initially, the course comprised 22 holes. In 1764, a strategic decision was made to combine several shorter holes, resulting in the now-standard 18-hole design that has been widely adopted by courses worldwide.

Perhaps one of the most unique moments in sports history occurred in 1971 when golf became the first sport played on the moon. Astronaut Alan Shepard famously smuggled a six-iron and two golf balls aboard Apollo 14. Attaching the club head to a lunar sample collector, Shepard successfully struck two golf balls, leaving an indelible mark on both space exploration and sporting lore.

For enthusiasts of the game, the odds of achieving a hole-in-one are a perennial point of interest. For an average golfer, the probability stands at approximately 12,500 to one. With their superior skill and precision, professional golfers see their odds improve significantly, estimated at about 2,500 to one.

The world’s longest golf course offers an unparalleled challenge. The Nullarbor Links in Australia stretches an astonishing 848 miles across two states. Playing the entirety of this expansive course is a multi-day endeavor, typically requiring about four days to complete.

Beyond the course, golf memorabilia (I’m not talking about the Masters gnomes, but those deserve mention too) can reach astonishing valuations. The most expensive golf club ever sold was a gold-plated putter that once belonged to President John F. Kennedy. This historic piece fetched nearly $400,000 at auction, highlighting the enduring value placed on items connected to both presidential history and the sport.

Finally, the science behind golf ball flight is intrinsically linked to its design. A typical golf ball features between 300 and 500 dimples. These small indentations are critical for reducing air resistance, or drag, and creating lift, thereby enabling the ball to fly significantly farther. Without them, a completely smooth golf ball would travel only approximately half the distance of its dimpled counterpart.

These facts offer a glimpse into the diverse and captivating history of golf, a sport continuously evolving while retaining its foundational elements.