The terms golf, colf, kolf and chole which were the names for a variety of medieval 'stick and ball' games in Britain and in continental Europe. They are commonly believed to be derived from a pre-modern European language term, following Grimm's grammatical law that details the clear phonetic similarities of these words.
What are all the golf terms?
- Double eagle: On a par-4, means you finished the hole in 1 stroke — a hole-in-one (very, very rare on par-4 holes)
- Eagle: You finished the hole in 2 strokes
- Birdie: You finished the hole in 3 strokes
- Par: You finished the hole in 4 strokes
- Bogey: You finished the hole in 5 strokes
- Double bogey: You finished the hole in 6 strokes
What is the early history of golf?
The earliest form of golf can be traced to ancient Rome where people played a game called paganica around 100 BCE. Players hit a stuffed leather ball with a bent stick. During the Song Dynasty (960 CE to 1279 CE) in China, participants played chuiw an, which was played with several clubs and a ball.
What is the origin of the name golf?
History
- Origins. The origin of golf has long been debated. ...
- Scots as inventors: a popular fallacy. For many years it was believed that golf originated in Scotland. ...
- Golf in Scotland. ...
- Development of golfers’ associations. ...
- Development of equipment. ...
- Players and tournaments. ...
What country did golf originate from?
The origins of golf are unclear and much debated. However, it is generally accepted that modern golf developed in Scotland from the Middle Ages onwards. The game did not find international popularity until the late 19th century, when it spread into the rest of the United Kingdom and then to the British Empire and the United States.
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Who came up with golf terms?
Both terms are American in origin, but birdie came before eagle. "Birdie" dates to the first years of the 1900s and to a specific match played at Atlantic City Country Club. Golfer Ab Smith is widely credited with coining the term.
Why are golf terms named after birds?
A Bogey means one over par. Birdie: In the 19th century, the term "bird" was the equivalent of "cool" or "excellent" - golf scholars believe this is where the term came from. An Atlantic City, New Jersey, course claims that the term originated there in 1903. The meaning being a score of one under par.
What did golf used to stand for?
A common misconception is that the word GOLF is an acronym for Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden. This is a 20th century joke and definitely not true. It is now generally accepted that the 'golf' is derived from an old word meaning 'club', though this in turn may have older cognate roots dating back to ancient times.
How did the sport get the name golf?
Why is it called golf? Etymologically speaking, “golf” was derived from either the Dutch work kolf or kolve, which simply translates to “club.” But then, as Lagle notes, in the Scottish dialect of the late-14th and early-15th century, the Dutch term became goff or gouff.
What is a ostrich in golf?
Supposedly, this is the name assigned to completing a hole having struck the ball five fewer times than par. In other words, this is what happens when you hole-out a Par 7 with two strokes or shoot a Hole-In-One on a Par Six.
What is a turkey in golf?
Its origin is almost certainly American in nature. In ten-pin bowling, a trio of consecutive strikes is called a turkey, while six in a row is known as a wild, or golden, turkey. It wouldn't be the first time golf has borrowed from another sport to expand its lexicon.
Why does golf have 18 holes?
According to the website Scottish Golf History, the number was cut to 18 pretty arbitrarily when four short holes were combined into two (played in two directions) in 1764. And this still wasn't a template right away for other courses as evidenced by Prestwick Golf Club opening in 1851 with just 12 holes.
Why is it called an eagle in golf?
This was the beginning of using bird names to name certain golf shots. Based on the use of the birdie for a low par, it was considered convenient to use a larger bird the better the shot. That is, an Eagle for -2, an albatross for -3.
What country invented golf?
ScotlandGolf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. In those early days players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club.
Did the Dutch invent golf?
Some scholars suggest that Dutch sailors brought the Dutch game to the east coast of Scotland where it eventually became the game we know today. The Dutch are also credited with bringing the game to America.
Is golfing a proper word?
“I've been playing golf for more than 60 years and have never heard a serious golfer use 'golf' as a verb, even though you can find a dictionary reference to such. “In the lexicon of serious golfers, 'golf' is exclusively a noun. “Serious golfers play golf. They never golf or go golfing.”
Where did golf originate?
And, the Chinese claim a 1,000-year-old game called chuiwan is the real origin of golf, Regardless, of its true origin, the game as it is played today developed in Scotland.
What does the word "golf" mean?
There is some debate about the exact lineage of the word "golf.". But the most commonly accepted etymology—the one endorsed by the British Golf Museum and United States Golf Association—is this: The medieval Dutch word "kolf" or "kolve" meant "club.".
Why is golf considered a myth?
There's a reason for that: The discriminatory history of golf gives the myth a veneer of believability. After all, for long parts of its history, golf was a sport dominated by men and rarely played by women, even though one of the most famous early golfers, Mary, Queen of Scots, was a woman.
When did the phrase "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden" come into existence?
It's likely that the myth of "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden" arose as a joke made by male golfers during earlier times, in the late 19th century to mid-20th century, when no-women-allowed golf clubs were far more common than they are now. In other words, golf's sexist past is the origin of the "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden" myth.
Can women play golf?
In fact, golf clubs that do not allow female members or restrict women's access to the course and clubhouse facilities still exist today.
Where did golf originate?
The modern game of golf is generally considered to be a Scottish invention. A spokesman for The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of the oldest Scottish golf organisations, said "Stick and ball games have been around for many centuries, but golf as we know it today, played over 18 holes, clearly originated in Scotland." The word golf, or in Scots gowf [gʌuf], is usually thought to be a Scots alteration of Dutch " colf " or " colve " meaning " stick, " club ", " bat ", itself related to the Proto-Germanic language *kulth- as found in Old Norse kolfr meaning " bell clapper", and the German Kolben meaning " mace or club". The Dutch term Kolven refers to a related sport where the lowest number of strokes needed to hit a ball with a mallet into a hole determines the winner; according to the "Le grand dictionnaire françois-flamen" printed 1643 is stated the Dutch term to Flemish: "Kolf, zest Kolve; Kolfdrager, Sergeant; Kolf, Kolp, Goulfe."
How did golf evolve?
The evolution of golf can be explained by the development of the equipment used to play the game. Some of the most notable advancements in the game of golf have come from the development of the golf ball. The golf ball took on many different forms before the 1930s when the United States Golf Association (USGA) set standards for weight and size. These standards were later followed by a USGA regulation stating that the initial velocity of any golf ball cannot exceed 250 feet per second. Since this time, the golf ball has continued to develop and impact the way the game is played.
How fast can a golf ball go?
These standards were later followed by a USGA regulation stating that the initial velocity of any golf ball cannot exceed 250 feet per second.
When was the first round of kolf played?
In December 1650, the settlers of Fort Orange (near present-day Albany, New York) played the first recorded round of kolf (golf) in America. The Dutch settlers played kolf year round. During the spring, summer and fall it was played in fields. In the winter it was played on ice with the same rules.
What is the name of the game played in the Low Countries?
In the 1261 Middle Dutch manuscript of the Flemish poet Jacob van Maerlant 's Boeck Merlijn mention is made of a ball game "mit ener coluen" (with a colf/kolf [club]). This is the earliest known mention in the Dutch language of the game of colf/kolf as played in the Low Countries.
How many golf courses were built in Japan in 2009?
The 1987 Resort Law that reduced protection on agricultural land and forest preserves created a further boom in course construction and by 2009 there were over 2,400 courses. The popularity of golf in Japan also caused many golf resorts to be created across the Pacific Rim.
What is the scene in the Golf Book?
A scene from the Golf Book, circa 1540, shows a game with similarities to modern day golf e.g. knocking a ball down a hole with a crooked headed club.
Where did the word "golf" come from?
It is now generally accepted that the 'golf' is derived from an old word meaning 'club', though this in turn may have older cognate roots dating back to ancient times. The first documented mention of the word 'golf' is in Edinburgh on 6th March 1457, when King James II banned 'ye golf', in an attempt to encourage archery practice, ...
When was golf invented?
On balance, however, it more likely that the 'golf' examples date to 1460 and the full details are discussed here.
What words were written in Scotland before dictionaries?
People wrote phonetically. Goff, gowf, golf, goif, goiff, gof, gowfe, gouff and golve have all been found in Scottish documents.
What is the golf course called in Scotland?
The Loudoun Gowf Club maintains the tradition of this terminology. In Gaelic the word is 'goilf' and a golf course is 'raon goilf' or 'cùrsa goilf'. Some claim 'golf' is a purely Scottish term, derived from Scots words 'golf', 'golfand' and 'golfing', which mean 'to strike' as in 'to cuff' or 'to drive forward with violence'.
What does "colf" mean in golf?
Golf, colf, kolf and chole are all presumed to have originally meant 'club' and are associated with the Middle High German word for club, 'kolbe', (Der Kolben), and the Dutch word 'kolven' for the game of modern kolf. The history in the Rules of Thistle Golf Club documented this origin as far back as 1824. It is important to note that the word ...
What is a social club?
The social 'club' apparently evolved from the same derivation in a verbal sense " to gather in a club-like mass", noted in 1620s, then later in 1640s as a noun, as an"association of people".
What is the most common word for golf?
The first documented reference is spelt 'golf', but most people believe the old word 'gowfe' was the most common term, pronounced 'gouf'. Certainly, the word 'gouf' is found extensively in written texts, long after 'golf' was the acknowledged game.
Where did golf originate?
Golf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. In those early days players would attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks using a bent stick or club. During the 15th century, Scotland prepared to defend itself, yet again, ...
When was golf invented?
The game of golf officially became a sport when the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith formed the first club in 1744 and set up an annual competition with silverware prizes. The rules for this new competition were drafted by Duncan Forbes. Rules that even now sound so familiar to many;
What were golf clubs made of?
At this time golfers were using hand-crafted wooden clubs usually made from beech with shafts of ash or hazel, and balls were made from compressed feathers wrapped in a stitched horse hide. During the 19th century as the might of the British Empire expanded to encompass the globe, so golf followed closely behind.
What are the rules for playing golf with water?
Rules that even now sound so familiar to many; …’If your ball comes among water, or any watery filth, you are at liberty to take out your ball and bringing it behind the hazard and teeing it, you may play it with any club and allow your adversary a stroke for so getting out your ball. ’.
Where was the first golf tournament held?
One of the premier golf courses of the day was at Leith near Edinburgh which hosted the first international golf match in 1682, when the Duke of York and George Patterson representing Scotland, beat two English noblemen.
When was the first 18 hole golf course built?
The first ever 18-hole course was constructed at St Andrews in 1764, establishing the now recognised standard for the game. King William IV honoured the club with the title ‘Royal & Ancient’ in 1834, with that recognition and its fine course the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was established as the world’s premier golf club.
Where are the most famous golf courses in the world?
Some of the most famous golf courses in the world are still to be found in Scotland: their names evoke the passion and tradition of the game of golf. Gleneagles, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Prestwick, to name but a few…. Read about the origins and history of the game of Polo.
What is a CC car?
Basically, the model looked like a Beetle and they pulled from its nickname. CC: This was originally an offshoot of the Passat, and the CC was called the Comfort Coupe for its upscale feel and coupe-like lines. Eventually, Passat was dropped from its name.
What is the difference between VW Atlas and VW Atlas?
Atlas: Atlas is a Greek titan that held up the sky, while the VW Atlas has a lot resting on it as the first seven-passen ger SUV in the lineup. Read More: Volkswagen expands its lineup with the VW Atlas. Beetle: Called the Kafer, or Beetle, in German, it was quickly translated into English.
Who is responsible for the birdie and the creation of the country's greatest golf course?
Speaking of perfect birds of a man, this means it's possible Crump is responsible for both the birdie and the creation of the country's greatest golf course. That is quite the résumé.
What does "bird" mean in golf?
At the time, “bird” was slang for something pretty swell or really neat or whatever else they said at the turn of the 20th century. Here’s how Jock Howard explained it in a 1991 issue of Golf Digest:
What was the first senior tour event?
Atlantic City Country Club also claims to be the site of the first "eagle," the first senior tour event, the first Ivy League Championship, and the first slots-and-shots member-guest. Kidding about the last one. The origins of this conception vary slightly, but the gist is that during a round in 1903 Abner “Ab” Smith launched a long approach shot ...
What is a big dog in golf?
Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling. Bladed Shot – A chip shot from just off the green purposely hit with the bottom of the club. Played often from when the ball rests against the collar of the green. Runs like a putt.
What does "away" mean in golf?
Away – The player that is farthest away from the hole and is up to play.
What is a baseball grip?
Baseball Grip – A type of grip that resembles a baseball bat grip. Others might call it a 10-finger grip. Below the Hole – A term that refers to a putt where the hole is at a higher elevation than the ball. Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling.
Why is backspin important in golf?
It is important for distance and accuracy. Backspin – Spin is very important in most aspects golf and you will often come across the term when comparing clubs or in golfing instructions. Simply put, more backspin will give you a high ball with a fair amount of control.
What is an ace in golf?
Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers.
What is bump and run golf?
Bump and Run – A chip shot around the green involving a low lofted iron. This type of chip is great for a large part of the green to work with.
What is the center of gravity in golf?
Center of Gravity – While this term can also be used to talk about a player it is generally related to the design and balancing of the golf club. To keep the concept simple, the farther back and lower the center of gravity (CG), the higher the trajectory will be according to the loft angle. This will give golfers an easier launch that generally has good backspin. Low handicap players do not need this advantage as much and tend to prefer a progressive CG with a higher CG on the longer irons.
History Of the game of golf
'Almost all modern sports have origins in earlier games, going as far back as thousands of years - golf is no different. Most modern games then eventually developed into a more recognizable version in the last 200 years or so. In this respect, golf differs from its sporting counterparts.
Golf Clubs of a Different Sort
'As golf progressed, it slowly developed the aura of exclusivity. This was helped greatly by the establishment of golf clubs (not the equipment).
Golf Developed in Scotland ... But Where Did It originate?
The Dutch Influence
- Part of the evidence for earlier, and non-Scottish influence, in the origin of golf is the etymology of the word "golf"itself. "Golf" derives from the Old Scots terms "golve" or "goff," which themselves evolved from the medieval Dutch term "kolf." The medieval Dutch term "kolf" meant "club," and the Dutch were playing games (mostly on ice) at least...
Similar Games Go Back Even Earlier
- And the Dutch game wasn't the only similar game of the Middle Ages (and earlier). Going back even farther, the Romans brought their own stick-and-ball game into the British Isles, and games that contain antecedents of golf were popular in France and Belgium long before Scotland got into the game. So does that mean that the Dutch (or someone else other than the Scots) invented go…