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- golf noun A ball game played by individuals competing against one another in which the object is to hit a ball into each of a series of (usually 18 or ...
- golf noun The letter G in the ICAO spelling alphabet. Etymology: The word is first known in English from the 15th century from . ...
- golf verb To play golf. ...
Full Answer
What's the meaning of the name 'golf'?
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.
What is golf used for?
The golf course averages 31,000 rounds played annually. An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people visit the course annually. The course is used for golf practice, the driving range, lessons, cross country skiing, dog walking, cross country running and private ...
Where is the definition of golf a sport?
Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Golf, unlike most ball games, cannot and does not utilize a standardized playing area, and coping with the varied terrains encountered on different courses is a key part of the game.
What is the definition of the word golf?
n. 1. a game in which clubs are used to hit a small ball into a series of holes, usu. 9 or 18, situated over a course, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible. 2. to play golf. golf′er, n.
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What is the real meaning of golf?
The word 'golf' is not an acronym for anything. Rather, it derives linguistically from the Dutch word 'kolf' or 'kolve,' meaning quite simply 'club.
Why is the sport called golf?
The word golf was first mentioned in writing in 1457 on a Scottish statute on forbidden games as gouf, possibly derived from the Scots word goulf (variously spelled) meaning "to strike or cuff". This word may, in turn, be derived from the Dutch word kolf, meaning "bat" or "club", and the Dutch sport of the same name.
How can you describe golf?
golf, a cross-country game in which a player strikes a small ball with various clubs from a series of starting points (teeing grounds) into a series of holes on a course. The player who holes his ball in the fewest strokes wins.
What does golf stand for meme?
GOLF. [not an acronym] Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden (urban legend about origin of golf game)
Who invented golf?
Charles Blair MacDonald, who attended St. Andrews University and learned the game at the St. Andrews Golf Links, is considered the father of American golf course architects. In 1893, MacDonald built the Chicago Golf Club, which was the country's first 18-hole course.
Why does golf have 18 holes?
Andrews formalized the rules and stated, “One round of the Links, or 18 holes is reckoned a match, unless otherwise stipulated.” Legend has it that the reason for 18 holes is that a bottle of whiskey contained the same number of shots as holes on a course, thus providing just enough drink for a shot on each hole.
What is the main purpose of golf?
The objective is to hole the ball in the fewest strokes. In the early 19th century there was no agreement on the number of holes on a golf course; localities differed widely in the matter.
What is golf known for?
Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible.
How was golf started?
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.
Does golf mean gentlemen only?
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.
What does golf stand for Urban?
Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden.
What does the golf emoji mean?
What does 🏌️ Golfer emoji mean? The Golfer emoji 🏌️ depicts a person swinging a golf club. It is commonly used to represent the sport of golf or sports in general. It is frequently used alongside the Flag in Hole emoji ⛳.
Why do people say golf isn't a sport?
The fact that golf can be difficult and requires practice and skill to achieve proficiency does not mean it qualifies as a sport. Brain surgery, chess, and computer programming are difficult tasks that also require practice and mental acuity, but they are clearly not sports.
Where they play golf is called?
golf courseA golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played. It consists of a series of holes, each consisting of a tee box, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a cylindrical hole in the ground, known as a "cup".
Is golf a sport for the rich?
Rich people play golf because they can afford the financial costs necessary to overcome its entry barriers. In addition, besides being an enjoyable activity, golf provides a certain social status, and it allows them to network with other wealthy individuals.
Is golf the hardest sport to play?
If you have just started playing golf and you are frustrated by the slow progress you are making, then do not be discouraged. Golf is known by many to be one of the most difficult sports to play and master, although the dedication and practice required are well worth it!
How much does a golf ball weigh?
Shortly after World War I, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews enacted what is called the "1.62 formula". Regulation golf balls have a m...
Where did golf originate?
The origins of golf are obscure and much debated. Evidence suggests that golf, as we understand it today, was firmly established in the Netherlands...
What is the diameter of a golf hole?
A golf hole measures 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) in diameter and is at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) deep. It is set in an area of turf called a green, which...
What is the average distance of an 18-hole golf course?
Standard 18-hole golf courses measure from 6,500 to 7,000 yards (5,900 to 6,400 meters), and individual holes are from 100 to 600 yards (90 to 550...
Is golf an Olympic event?
Golf was included in the Paris 1900 Olympic Games and the St. Louis 1904 Games. Golf was then discontinued as an Olympic sport for more than a cent...
What is the game of golf?
golf, a cross-country game in which a player strikes a small ball with various clubs from a series of starting points (teeing grounds) into a series of holes on a course. The player who holes his ball in the fewest strokes wins.
Where did golf originate?
The origin of golf has long been debated. Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, which involved using a bent stick to hit a wool- or feather-stuffed leather ball. According to one view, paganica spread throughout several countries as the Romans conquered much of Europe during the 1st century bc and eventually evolved into the modern game. Others cite chuiwan ( ch’ui-wan) as the progenitor, a game played in China during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and earlier and described as “a game in which you hit a ball with a stick while walking.” Chuiwan is thought to have been introduced into Europe by traders during the Middle Ages. However, upon close examination, neither theory is convincing.
How much does a golf ball weigh?
Shortly after World War I the R&A enacted what is called the “1.62 formula”—that the ball should have a maximum weight of 1.62 ounces (45.93 grams) and a minimum diameter of 1.62 inches (4.11 cm). For two years the USGA tried a ball which weighed 1.55 ounces (43.94 grams) and was 1.68 inches (4.27 cm) in diameter, but in 1932 it reverted to a weight of 1.62 ounces while retaining a diameter of 1.68 inches. This larger-sized American ball was ruled mandatory by the British Professional Golf Association in 1968 and replaced the smaller ball throughout the world by 1980.
What are some engravings that highlight golf?
Playing Monkeys, by Pieter van der Borcht (1545–1608), features a monkey taking a swing at a teed ball, and Venus, Protectress of Lovers, by Pieter Janszoon Saenredam (1597–1665), shows, in the margins of a picture of an embracing couple with Venus and Cupid , some people playing games such as football and golf. The latter work is a copy of an earlier work by engraver Hendrik Goltzius (1558–1617).
What is the medieval form of football?
It may be conceived as a domesticated form of such medieval games as football, in which the size of the goals and the ball was radically reduced and in which, as a consequence, the element of violence had to give way to the element of skill.
Who was the first real golfer?
Despite the likelihood of a continental origin of golf, King James IV, who had prohibited the hockeylike game of golf earlier (in 1491), nevertheless became the first authenticated player of “real” golf. That royalty were the leaders of this new sporting fashion is to be expected.
Who painted golf in Scotland?
The latter work is a copy of an earlier work by engraver Hendrik Goltzius (1558–1617). The earliest known scenes depicting golf in Scotland are found in two paintings dated 1680 (or 1720) and 1746–47.
What is golfer?
For other uses, see Golf (disambiguation) and Golfer (disambiguation). Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Golf, unlike most ball games, cannot and does not utilize a standardized playing area, ...
Where did golf originate?
The Xuande Emperor of the Ming dynasty playing chuiwan. While the modern game of golf originated in 15th-century Scotland, the game's ancient origins are unclear and much debated. Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball.
How do you play a hole in golf?
Playing a hole on a golf course is initiated by putting a ball into play by striking it with a club on the teeing ground (also called the tee box, or simply the tee). For this first shot on each hole, it is allowed but not required for the golfer to place the ball on a tee prior to striking it.
How many holes are there in a golf course?
Main article: Golf course. A golf course consists of either 9 or 18 holes, each with a teeing ground that is set off by two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area, fairway, rough and other hazards, and the putting green surrounded by the fringe with the pin (normally a flagstick) and cup.
What is golf equipment?
Main article: Golf equipment. A wood positioned ready to be swung and to strike a golf ball. Golf clubs are used to hit the golf ball. Each club is composed of a shaft with a lance (or "grip") on the top end and a club head on the bottom.
How many people play the 18 hole golf game?
The game can be played by any number of people, although a typical group playing will have 1-4 people playing the round. The typical amount of time required for pace of play for a 9-hole round is two hours and four hours for an 18-hole round.
What is the lowest score in golf?
Golf is played for the lowest number of strokes by an individual, known as stroke play, or the lowest score on the most individual holes in a complete round by an individual or team, known as match play. Stroke play is the most commonly seen format at all levels, but most especially at the elite level.
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, ...
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.
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".
When was golf invented?
On balance, however, it more likely that the 'golf' examples date to 1460 and the full details are discussed here.
Where was the first golf hole in Scotland?
Aberdeen Queens Links - site of first golf hole in Scotland- with Broad Hill on left. Most golf clubs in 16th and 17th century were made by bowers (bow-makers) whose skills made them ideally suited to the job. The names of very few of them have down to us. Recently two more 17th century club makers were found.
What is the definition of a course?
The person or group in charge of the competition or the course Course: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee: (...Continued) .
What is a hole in the ground?
Any hole dug in the ground by an animal Animal: Any living member of the animal kingdom (other than humans), including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (such as worms, insects, spiders and crustaceans)., except for holes dug by animals Animal: Any living member of the animal kingdom (other than humans), including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (such as worms, insects, spiders and crustaceans). that are also defined as loose impediments Loose Impediment: Any unattached natural object such as: (...Continued) (such as worms or insects).
What does "to hold the ball and let go of it" mean?
To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play In Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole: (...Continued) .
What is the definition of the term "play area"?
The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee Committee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. (...Continued) :
What does "caddie" mean?
Someone who helps a player during a round Caddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways: (...Continued), including in these ways:
What is the meaning of "all other areas of sand on the course course"?
All other areas of sand on the course Course: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee: (...Continued) that are not inside the edge of a prepared area (such as deserts and other natural sand areas or areas sometimes referred to as waste areas).
When a player’s ball is in its own pitch-mark made as a result of the player’s?
When a player’s ball is in its own pitch-mark made as a result of the player’s previous stroke Stroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball. (...Continued) and where part of the ball is below the level of the ground.
Overview
Professional golf
The majority of professional golfers work as club or teaching professionals ("pros"), and only compete in local competitions. A small elite of professional golfers are "tournament pros" who compete full-time on international "tours". Many club and teaching professionals working in the golf industry start as caddies or with a general interest in the game, finding employment at golf cour…
Origin and history
While the modern game of golf originated in 15th-century Scotland, the game's ancient origins are unclear and much debated.
Some historians trace the sport back to the Roman game of paganica, in which participants used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball. One theory asserts that paganica spread throughout Europe as the Romans conquered most of th…
Golf course
A golf course consists of either 9 or 18 holes, each with a teeing ground or "tee box" that is set off by two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area, fairway, rough and other hazards, and the putting green surrounded by the fringe with the pin (normally a flagstick) and cup.
The levels of grass are varied to increase difficulty, or to allow for putting in th…
Play of the game
Every round of golf is based on playing a number of holes in a given order. A "round" typically consists of 18 holes that are played in the order determined by the course layout. Each hole is played once in the round on a standard course of 18 holes. The game can be played by any number of people, although a typical group playing will have 1–4 people playing the round. The typical amount of ti…
Rules and regulations
The rules of golf are internationally standardised and are jointly governed by The R&A, spun off in 2004 from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (founded 1754), and the United States Golf Association (USGA). With the aim of simplifying the rules, in 2017 the USGA and R&A undertook a complete rewrite. The new rule book came into effect in January 2019.
Equipment
Golf clubs are used to hit the golf ball. Each club is composed of a shaft with a lance (or "grip") on the top end and a club head on the bottom. Long clubs, which have a lower amount of degree loft, are those meant to propel the ball a comparatively longer distance, and short clubs a higher degree of loft and a comparatively shorter distance. The actual physical length of each club is long…
Stroke mechanics
The golf swing is outwardly similar to many other motions involving swinging a tool or playing implement, such as an axe or a baseball bat. However, unlike many of these motions, the result of the swing is highly dependent on several sub-motions being properly aligned and timed. These ensure that the club travels up to the ball in line with the desired path; that the clubface is in line wit…