History of the game
Golf is steeped in tradition there is general agreement that the Scots were the earliest of golf addicts but who actually invented the game is open to debate. Various forms of games resembling golf were played as early as the fourteenth century by sportsmen in Holland, Belgium and France as well as in Scotland. For many years the game was played on rough terrain without proper greens, just crude holes cut into the ground where the surface was reasonably flat!
We do know that golf has existed for at least 550 years because James II of Scotland, in an Act of Parliament dated March 6, 1457, had golf and football banned because these sports were interfering too much with archery practice sorely needed by the loyal defenders of the Scottish realm!
The R&A is golf's world rules and development body and organiser of The Open Championship. It takes its name from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which has continuous records dating back to its foundation in 1754, and although the Club continues its long history with 2,400 members throughout the world, The R&A has become a separate entity to focus on its governance role.
Golf is a great game that is both mentally and physically challenging and is played and loved by millions throughout the world.
The Rules of Golf and Etiquette are also consistent throughout the world and the unique Handicap system allows people of different abilities to play with and against each other.