Ever wondered why we call it “golf” and where the first hole was dug? The short answer is Scotland, but the story stretches back centuries across Europe and even Asia. In this guide we’ll break down the earliest stick‑and‑ball games, the key players who turned a pastime into a sport, and what you can still see on the greens today.
The game’s DNA can be traced to medieval games like the Dutch kolf and the French jeu de mail. Those were simple: hit a ball with a stick toward a target, often a small wooden post. What makes golf unique is the shift from flat fields to natural, hilly terrain. By the 15th century, shepherds in the Scottish Lowlands were using shepherd’s crooks to drive leather balls across the links of St Andrews, the town that still hosts the world’s oldest major tournament.
Records from 1457 even show King James II of Scotland banning the game because it was ruining the grass on royal courses. If a king can’t stop a sport, you know it’s got a future. The early version didn’t have standardized rules—each club made up its own, leading to a patchwork of local customs.
The first real rulebook appeared in 1744, written by the Gentleman’s Golf Club (later the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers). That set the stage for the modern game: 18 holes, standardized clubs, and the concept of a “par.”
When it comes to the person who deserves the title “Father of Golf,” most historians point to Old Tom Morris. He wasn’t the game’s creator, but he shaped the way we play. As a green‑keeper at St Andrews, he designed the famous “Old Course” layout, introduced the 18‑hole round in 1764, and helped codify rules that are still in use.
Later, his son Young Tom Morris dominated the early championships, proving that skill could be honed and taught. Their influence spread across the British Empire, and by the late 1800s clubs were popping up in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Today, every major tournament still echoes those early decisions. The “golden rule of golf” – respect for the course and fellow players – traces back to the gentlemanly etiquette of the Scottish estates. If you’re new to the sport, remembering that rule will make you a welcome guest on any green.
So, whether you’re standing on a rugged links in Scotland or a manicured fairway in Surrey, you’re playing a game that’s been evolving for over 600 years. The next time you line up a shot, think about the shepherds, the royalty, and the Morris family who turned a simple stick‑ball game into a global sport.
Want more deep dives? Check out our posts on the “Father of Golf,” the “Golden Rule of Golf,” and tips on what makes a good golfer. Each one adds another layer to the fascinating origin story you’re now part of.
Curious about where golf truly began? This article unpacks how modern golf took shape, who started it, and why Scotland always gets the credit. Expect a few surprises about early ball-and-stick games, plus some practical advice for finding authentic golf experiences today. No fluff—just real history, fun facts, and tips for golf lovers who want to get closer to the roots of the game.