In addition to being an enjoyable sport to play, golf has an incredible history. That means there’s a lot more to the game than you might expect! We’ve compiled some fun facts that you can share with your friends at your next dinner party!
Golf was invented in Scotland
Modern-day golf was invented during the year 1457 in Scotland. Westlake Golf and Country Club came much later!
Golf was banned
Between the years of 1457 and 1744, the government of Scotland believed golf interfered with military training, so they banned the sport three times. Football — aka soccer — was also banned during this time.
The first round of women’s golf took place in 1811
Golf is no exception when it comes to sports misogyny. The first round for women was played in Musselburgh, Scotland in 1811, and the first women’s club was developed in 1867.
Golf balls were originally made of feathers and leather
During the early days of golf, manufacturers would wet feathers and wrap them around the leather to create a golf ball.
There’s a 12,500 to 1 chance of making a hole-in-one
If you’re like most golfers, the hole-in-one is what all golfers dream to achieve. The bad news is the odds are against you. There’s a 12,500 to 1 chance a typical golfer will make one because the width of the hole is so small. Many professionals go their whole career without making one.
Tiger Woods sunk his first hole-in-one at age 8
Renowned golfer Tiger Woods took an interest in golf at only 6 months old and his father started teaching him at two years old. With regular practice, he made his first hole-in-one at only 8 years old!
Phil Mickelson is right-handed, but golfs lefty
Another athlete who started playing the sport at a young age, Mickelson mirrored his dad’s golf swing. His dad was left-handed, therefore he swung with his left hand.
Sand was used before tees
Before golf tees, players would shape mounds of sand and place the golf ball on top. Tees were finally popularized in the 1920s.
The longest putt was a mind-blowing 395 feet
The longest putt was sunk by an Australian trick-shot artist named Brett Stanford, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest putt ever holed.
Golf is the only sport to be played on the moon
Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. used a 6-iron to play golf on the moon.
If you’re like us, you like to know everything you can about the game. What are some of your favorite fun facts?