Few sports can divide opinion as golf does. For many it is the ultimate challenge of timing, coordination and mental strength. For others it just spoils what otherwise would be a good walk.
The origin of golf is uncertain and there are a number of sources that claim to be the foundation of the modern game. One claim is that it is based on the Roman game of paganica where a leather ball stuffed with feathers or wool was hit with a bent stick. The spread of the Roman Empire took paganica to other European countries where it evolved into golf. Chuiwan an 8th century Chinese ball and stick game is another claim to golf’s origin. Again the claim is this game was introduced during the Middle Ages to Europe by Chinese travellers. England, France and the Netherlands also have claims relating to the games of cambuca, chambot and kolven respectively.
However, the most widely accepted theory is that 12th century shepherd’s knocking stones into rabbit burrows, on what is now Scotland’s famous St Andrews golf course, holds the correct claim to the origin of golf.
The most popular form of the modern game of golf is stroke play. Here two individuals play each hole against a target score or par. The lowest aggregate score taken over all the holes (usually 18) by a player wins the round. This is the most common form of the professional game and the most televised.
Match play is another form of the game where two individuals or teams play against each other for each hole. The lowest score wins the hole until it is not possible for the losing player or team to win enough remaining holes to draw level. Sometimes both players or teams reach the last hole with scores tied and this may result in a drawn game or lead to a play off. Perhaps the most famous tournament in this form of the game is the Ryder Cup. Dating from 1927 the biennial competition followed a demonstration match played a year earlier between the US and British Professional Golf Associations. The dominance of the US over the years led to the change to a European team from 1979 and helped to showcase the then emerging Spanish golfers. The competition will be held in Wales for the first time in 2010 and will be played at Celtic Manor Newport.
Golf has spawned a clothing fashion of it’s own over the years. It seems the more outlandish and garish the colour scheme the better! Prior to the 20th century there was no special attire required to play the game. However, as the middle and upper classes joined the golfing fraternity in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s fashion became important. Tailcoat, breeches and cravats became de rigueur. By the 1920’s everyday fashions had changed and the golfer felt it was now OK to ditch the tailcoat but the neckwear remained and the tucking of trousers into socks in lieu of breeches was deemed acceptable. In the 1920’s the Prince of Wales made Fairisle golf sweaters popular. By the 1950’s the v-neck sweater was common and the trouser/sock idea waned. Again common fashion trends came to bear and the fashionable ‘60’s and ‘70’s golfers adopted colourful sweaters and trousers, still evident today.
Whatever your views on the game why not add a little flavour of golf to you dolls house with some knitted golf club covers or a golf blouson for your man of the house