Introduction
Golf is believed to be one of the oldest sports that man has played. In fact, there is
evidence that golf was played by the ancient Chinese. It is believed that golf began five
centuries in the past. In fact, golf was banned by James II of Scotland in an act of
Parliament on March 6, 1457. Most historians believe that the Scots were the first to
play golf, however this has been met with some opposition as there has been evidence
found in various Asian countries that the sport is much older than that.
Some historians have even suggested that bored sheepherders began knocking round
shaped stones into holes in the ground with their staffs. Making a competitive game out
of the activity filled their time. Various forms of golf were often played throughout the
fourteenth century. These types of games were played in various countries such as
Holland, Belgium, France and Scotland. Although it has always been popular, golf has
seen a popularity resurgence in the past few decades and it seems that its popularity is
only going to continue to increase.
The view of golf has also changed quite dramatically in the past few decades, partly due
to the rise and popularity of Tiger Woods and similar charismatic players. Golf is seen
as more of an athletic type sport when it had been seen as a sport for old men in plaid
pants. Following along with this trend there have been changes that have completely
transformed in golf into a pastime and vacation getaway. A sport that was once seen as
a meeting place for doctors and lawyers has been transformed into vacation packages
for honeymooners and families. Resorts are developing vacation packages and whole
neighborhoods are being built around golf courses. The rise in popularity of the sport is
one to be reckoned with and its one that more and more people are striving to learn
more about.