One of the reasons why I love the internet is the ability to search for whatever I’m interested in. And just like some of my casino-loving friends use it to explore new promo codes like MrQ Promo Code 2023, I love to use it to search for fun facts about golf, as all of you who are reading this already know. We all love to read about interesting facts about a sport and in this case, golf will be the sport in question.
Golf is a sport unlike any other. Lush greens, sand traps, fairways as beautiful and distant as the eye can see and clubs and the sound of a swing and hit, what more could a person want? Well, golf has had its ups and downs throughout history, but like any other sport, it also had plenty of interesting moments during its growth. Following are 5 interesting facts about golf.
Before it Existed it Was Banned
This might seem a bit strange at first, but modern golf can be traced to the middle ages, specifically Scotland. The sport was officially banned in 1457 because it was dangerous and a nuisance, but actually, because it was distracting archers from their routine exercises, which was at the time essential because Scotland was at war with England.
After it was unbanned in 1502, golf started getting its own recognition, with James IV purchasing the first golf gear, which was followed by the first golf courses. Prior to any formal organizations which deal with golf, it was banned, hence the name.
A Hole in One at 8 Years – The Woods Masterpiece
Golf fans will know of Tiger Woods, who dominated golf as one of the most successful and winningest players of all time. He is the most popular golfer, one who comes to mind when people think of golf, specifically younger fans.
His first hole in one was at year 8. Woods started playing golf at a very young age, because of his father, Earl Woods, an athlete and lover of sports.
The First Golf Balls – Leather and Feather
Yes, the first golf balls were not made out of various materials such as rubber and thermoplastic, but out of leather and cow’s hair, or later, feathers. Goose feathers were used and the measurement as to how many feathers should be used was a gentleman’s hat. The feathers would be colored white and then put in water, to be put in the leather ball. As one can imagine, these balls did not last long and were not as symmetrical or long-lasting as modern balls. There were theories of wooden golf balls, but these have yet to be proven.
The First Women’s Professional League
Formed in 1950, the LPGA was founded by 13 women golfers, who grew tired of all the misogyny and decided to form a professional league for women golfers. The league struggled for a while but grew into something better, with 5 major championships and plenty of large and prestigious tournaments all over the world.
Phil Mickelson – A Left Handed Wonder?
Phil Mickelson is a known quantity in the world of golf, a professional with plenty of PGA wins and 5 major trophies. He is a left handed player, but he is actually right handed. Growing up, he watched his father play and mirrored his playing style, hence why he plays left handed, even though he is otherwise a righty.
Golf, like other sports, has plenty of interesting facts surrounding it, which is why it will always be interesting. Apart from the various facts which surfaced during its growth, golf is a very entertaining sport with a very intricate social aspect.