Welcome to The Golf Star Blog!

 Golf is a good walk spoiled. “Mark Twain” 

 

Tips like how beneficial walking can be over riding a cart. Besides being extremely good exercise it keeps your blood flowing and gives your muscles time to relax. It will give you time between shots to consider your strategies for the hole you are playing and what may have gone wrong on that last, not so good, shot. 

I will also be suggesting the best books and training devices I have used to help my game. Golf is a game that requires a little practice and dedication to master. But don’t be worried…it is also a game of great enjoyment. So relax and enjoy the game. Please join in and comment on any and all of our articles. I welcome your views and ideas about the game of golf. 

The History of Golf: From Symbolism to Favored Sport

  

Golf is one of the most popular of the organized sports in the entire world right now. Golf is played, watched and followed in nearly every country, in nearly every corner of the world these days. But, when did golf actually get its start and how popular was it back then? What has changed over the centuries, and what has stayed the same? And what exactly is on the horizon for the game?  

Read on for a brief history of the game of golf, as well as a look ahead for what might be looming in the future of the game. We will look at how the equipment has changed from wooden clubs to titanium shafts and what that has meant for the games and the players themselves. And finally, we will take a quick look at one of the most popular players that the game has ever seen. (No peeking ahead, now.)  

The Much Debated Beginnings  

The Scots have long claimed the right to be called the inventors of golf. Other cultures have looked into their past histories, and that right has been greatly debated, especially recently. To find the first contestant for the real father of golf, you have to travel all the way back to ancient Egypt. Yep, when the Egyptians when are not killing off their rulers and each other, it would appear that that they were developing sports that may well have been the precursors to modern sports.  

 According to ancient writings and hieroglyphics, a game that appears remarkably similar to modern golf was played, probably as a religious rite. And because the Egyptians were so fond of symbolism and such, it is believed that this religious rite/sporting event was related in some way to fertility. Of course, the actual game that they were playing may not have been as golf-like as originally thought, and may possibly be more closely related to baseball or cricket instead.  It doesn’t really matter though, because the ancient Egyptians, with their wars and art and other contributions to culture are not the only contenders for the claim on golf.  

Next up in the debate: the Chinese. China shocked the world by laying claim to the invention of not only soccer but also judo, which has long thought to have once been a Japanese martial art. Now the Chinese have announced that their historians have found evidence of a game that appears remarkably similar in style and form to modern day golf. If the Chinese are correct in their assumption, then their golf precursor dates to around AD 945. The Chinese book, called the Dongxuan Records tells of a game called “chuiwan” (chui= to hit, wan= ball) with the accompanying description of the ten clubs that were used to play the game. These clubs were alleged to have been jewel encrusted, indicating that the game, whether it was golf or not, was meant for the wealthy. 

 The Dongxuan Records include a reference to a Chinese magistrate having his daughter go out to “dig holes in the ground so that he could drive balls into them.” The claim further asserts that it was Mongol traders who brought the game to Europe in the late Middle Ages, further proof that the Chinese are the ones that invented the game. 

Of course, the Chinese are not the only challengers to the Scottish claim of golf’s inventor. The French insist that the game was originally “pallemail”and played sometime in the fifteenth century. And in the fourteenth century, some version of the game was thought to have onc  been played by athletes in Belgium and Holland as well. So, who gets the title? The only definitive facts about golf are these:  

1) On March 6, 1457, James II banned both golf and football by an official act of Parliament.  (The sports were taking up too much time that he felt would be better used for archery practice.)  

2) James VI brought the game to England in 1603- the game itself was basically the rough version of the game we call golf today.  

3) Edinburgh golfers formed the first official club or society for the sport in 1744. The very first, thirteen rules for golf were written and a competition was held annually between golfers from any part of Britain and Ireland.  

4) King William IV became the patron of the Society of St. Andrews Golfers in 1834 and the name was changed to the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St. Andrews.  

5) The Royal Blackheath Golf Club of England was formed in 1766, thought to be one of the first clubs formed outside of Scotland.  This was followed in 1818 by the Old Manchester Golf Club.  

6) Golf makes it to North America in 1873 with the forming of the Royal Montreal Club. Canada took to golf quite well, and the Quebec Golf Club formed in 1875, with one in Toronto forming the following year.  

7) The United States did  not take to the sport as readily, and although it was thought to have actually been played sporadically, historically, golf did not really officially take off in the US until 1888 when a three-hole course was built near Yonkers. That same year, the St. Andrews Club of Yonkers was formed. Golf dug in, found its niche and by the turn of that century there were more than 1000 golf clubs all over North America.  

So, who is to say which country should get the bragging rights? Most golfers and golfing enthusiasts have the same opinion: let the historians fight over who wrote what ancient paper or described some ancient game. Leave the scholars to their dusty books and dimly lit libraries. The true golfer will take the fresh air, the warm sunshine and the sweet tang of the freshly sheared greens.  

Is the Grass on the Greens Always Greener?  

Considering that golf may or may not have been invented by bored shepherds, it is amazing the change that has taken place in golf courses. Golf courses are a testament to man’s ability to adopt and adapt to nature, sometimes bending to her will, sometimes coaxing her to bend to his. Today’s modern golf courses are beautiful, lush and a tremendous amount of work. You ask any greens’ keeper how long a day he puts in to keep his course so pristine and see what he tells you. And don’t think that the greens’ man is just a glorified lawnmower- most are highly educated, dedicated and golfers themselves. They have to know what type of grass they are dealing with, how best to water it, feed it, cut it. They have to know what type of weather conditions to watch out for that would be dangerous to their finely maintained lawns. And they have to know the fastest, most efficient ways to keep out the vermin and varmints that can destroy a course.  

Back to the beginning of the sport- the game is alleged to have been started with those bored shepherds who were using their crooked staffs to hit rounded stones into nearby rabbit holes while they sat around with their sheep in the fields. In the Chinese history of the sport, the magistrate’s daughter was told to cut holes into the ground, with no indication to the depth or location of these holes. And remaining in the modern times, there are still places where the ground can be too hard to firmly seat a tee, hence the development and use of the tripod tee.  

Most courses take years of planning and millions of dollars to build. The planning that goes into a course’s layout is astounding, it is sometimes more than what goes on in building a skyscraper!  

Public courses usually stick with a more basic layout because they will more than likely not see the huge revenue or return that a private club or resort type course will make in a year. Basic does not mean that these are any less cared for, there is just not as many fancy frills to them. Public courses usually have some of the same amenities as the private clubs, but with less restrictions and a little more welcoming making the public course the first step in a new golfer’s introduction to the game.   

No matter where you play, the next time you head to the links for a round of golf, take note of the type of grass that is growing there. Some grasses are softer and will remain bent, while others are firmer and will remain upright, especially if they are not cut short enough on a frequent basis. The way that grass grows and is cut will affect the way that your ball rolls, so it is worth noting these things before you tee up the first shot.  

Because the greens see so stomping feet, part of basic golf etiquette is to help the greens keeper out by repairing any divots that you make, as well as raking the sand-traps clear of footprints after you are done there.  Just how much abuse does the grass take at a typical golf course on a typical day? Let’s assume that there are 15 groups of four golfers that play 18 holes of golf on the day. That is sixty people, or a total of 120 shoe-clad feet that will stomp, trample, scuff and clump through these greens.  

Holey Moley- How Holes Can Be Improved  

Once upon a time, golf was nothing more than stones hit into holes made by rats, rabbits and other small animals. Once the stone rolled into the hole, it was considered gone, because no self-respecting sheepherder was going to get caught up to his elbows rooting around a rabbit hole for a rock. Of course, that was probably in their best interest, because if the stone rolled in and woke the resident, a questing hand might find itself a varmint chew toy as the hole owner voices their displeasure at this invasion. (Obviously, rabbits are just not big golf fans.)  

Another upgrade to the golf hole was when it began being purposely dug by the golfer’s themselves (or their servants, children, etc.) specifically for the sport. No more looking around for handy rabbit holes; no more gnawed fingers and lost round stones. The holes were crudely shaped and if the ground was too hard, not very deep, but they did actually serve their purpose.  

 Flash forward to the modern day: holes are a standard depth, with a lining that keeps them well maintained and prevents you from having to fight varmints for your ball. Of course, there are those that think the added thrill of a potential animal bite would enliven the game, but nobody listens to those people anyway!  

The Clubs: How the Past Drove a “Wedge” Between Rich and Poor  

 The Chinese version of how they invented golf included stories of jewel-encrusted clubs, which spoke volumes of who actually was playing this game. It would be a serious stretch to believe that the peasants and farmers were in position of such magnificent clubs, especially when they were used for a game.  

 In the Scottish legend, the shepherd’s used their long, wooden crooks to hit balls into rabbit holes. At least it was not only the wealthy or the royal that got to play this version of the game! From the shepherd’s crook, the next version of the golf club was born. The most skilled artisans, the same artisans who regularly made bows and arrows and other weaponry, made earlier golf clubs. William Mayne, the first official club maker, was appointed to the court of James I in 1603. Early clubs were made with the wood of beech, holly, dogwood, pear or apple trees for the heads, and ash or hazel for the shafts. The latter gave more flex than the others. Upgrades came along to these wooden clubs with the addition of lead in the back of the club’s head, and leather and other materials put in the clubface.  

Modern day golfers can buy clubs with differing sized club heads. Some of the club head sizes are not as legal as others, so always make sure that you follow the rules of the course that you play at the most. Also make sure you know the difference between regulation and non-regulation club head size, especially if you plan to pursue tournament play.  

Modern day golfers also get the advantage of a wide range of materials, from common steel to ultra strong titanium. When choosing your clubs, make sure that you understand the terms loft and flex. Also make sure that you know what type of club will fit your style of play and body type the best. And as always, only buy clubs that are within your budget. Beginning players do not need the top of the line golf clubs, for instance.  

Another huge advantage for the modern day golfer is the ability to custom build your own clubs. There are two ways to accomplish this option. The higher end option is to have computer analysis of your swing and body frame, and then your special clubs are built for you. Would your budget bear up to this option, though? The lower end option is to build your own clubs. You choose the heads, the shafts and the grips from a wide range of selections and then you assemble the various pieces into your own version of the perfect club.  

Once you have unlocked your potential for golf, and you know that you are going to stick with it, you can then start upgrading. Buy a new club every month or so if your budget will allow. There is no rule that all clubs must be bought on the same day- you can technically mix the new in with the old. The rules do say however that you can only carry a maximum of fourteen clubs at one time- but not which ones those fourteen actually are. You could technically carry fourteen of the exact club if you choose to do so, but that would be kind of foolish!  

Golf Balls: Dimples, Feathers and Other Interesting Ideas  

The size and shape of golf balls are governed by the United States Golf Association (USGA)and the ball manufacturers must adhere to these specifications. These include:  

     1) Size. The ball must be at least 1.68 inches in diameter, no smaller. It can be bigger though, but that is the minimum size allowable.  

     2) Weight. Maximum weight is 1.62 ounces.  

     3) Velocity. Yes, the USGA measures a ball’s velocity. The ruling here is that no ball can exceed 250 feet per second at temperature of 75 degrees.  

4) Distance. This is one of the most important considerations when judging a ball. A ball is only supposed to go a distance of 280 yards, (with a leeway of around six percent, that totals out to around 296.8 yards). The USGA measures distance using a machine named Iron Byron which hit’s the ball. Modern day golfers are blasting the balls at distances of close to 300 yards on fairly regular intervals, so this rule will probably need to be changed slightly, or the design of the ball changed.  

     5) Spherical.  The shape of all golf balls must be round, period. Fault corrective balls that are weighted on one side failed the test on this one. Golf balls are round, end of story.  

     Back in the days of James I of England, balls were hand stitched affairs, stuffed with boiled feathers. King James felt so strongly about the balls that he had had commissioned that any balls not bearing his mark were confiscated. Depending on the weather, the feather-balls actually traveled farther than one would expect them to go- including about 180 yards in dry weather and about 30 yards less when it was wet.  

The feather ball remained in play until roughly 1848 when gutta-percha was first used. After heating, the substance could be molded into a hard ball. Unfortunately, this smooth ball did not do as well in flight as the golfers would have liked and they started abusing this new design, leaving nicks, scratches and dings in the side. Golfers soon discovered that these defects actually made the ball behave far better, so all balls were scored before play- these dimples improved play so much that the feathers all, ahem, flew away and the golf ball as we know it now was born. Well, at least the basic design of the modern ball, anyway.  

The next improvement in the golf ball came in 1903 when an American dentist started playing around with a liquid filled rubber core, elastic covering, ending with the traditional gutta-percha casing. The ball gained popularity after it was used in several championships and it was crowned king of the golf ball.  

The new golf balls carry the familiar design, but more durable synthetic materials are used for the coverings. But, they left the dimples alone, because sometimes the simplest ideas are the most brilliant.  

Tees and Other Accessories: Those You Want, Need or Could Do Without  

If you pick up a golf magazine, or turn on a golf tournament on television, you will instantly be floored by the sheer volume of stuff that “they” will try to convince you that you need in order to be considered a real golfer. Not true! Golf is not about the toys and gadgets that you buy from crap-filled gadgets, and they are never going to invite you to the US Open simply because you have the most golf themed items in your master bathroom. Golf is about getting out there, working hard on your swing and trying to get your score as low as possible. You do not need a “I’d Rather Be Golfing” toilet seat cover to accomplish that. You really only need your clubs, some balls and a couple of tees. Of course there are other things that you might like to have, or might come in handy, but they are not necessary to the game itself.  

Tees have not changed in design since the early days of golf, as hey were basically wood splinters with a sharpened end that would slip into the ground and a flattened top to cradle the ball; a simple, straightforward design that did not need to be upgraded in any way. Of course, tees come in a variety of colors and materials now, but the most basic design is still the best. There are novelty tees, but they are basically for laughs and red faces at office parties, not for pushing into the ground for a round of golf.  

Another item that may or may not be necessary is the head cover. Basic designs resemble socks that will keep your heads from banging into each other, and will protect them from the elements. At the other end of the spectrum, is the super-duper, deluxe types that are like stuffed toys for your golf clubs. You can get designs to show what your favorite animal is, your college team, your color- almost everything imaginable. By all means choose a cover that is functional and suits your personality, but really, a little touch of restraint here is a good idea!  

The Rules Themselves  

Golf’s rules were first devised and written down in 1744 and have been adjusted, amended and outright changed countless times. New clauses, sub-clauses and other addendums have been added until there are very few people that really understand the rules of what should be a very simple game. If you are simply out to play a round of golf with your friends on a public course, then only the most basic of the rules should concern you, but if your goal is to wind up in tournament play and you actually have the talent to make that a possibility, then it would be in your best interest to start studying the rule book now.  

We are all aware that private clubs and resorts have rules governing what may and may not be worn on their courses, as well as who has which tee time, but we are not talking about those rules here, we are talking about the rules of Golf. The rules set forth by the Golf association and the PGA tours are the most complicated, and the ones generally followed on all courses.  

 Some of the easier to understand rules are the uncomplicated, common sense of good manners and decorum, but sometimes even those basic concepts have to be written down for people to comply with them. These include: not talking when others are making their shot, looking around to see where everybody is before swinging, and not moving your ball around willy-nilly. There are times that the ball is in an area that you cannot humanly play it where it lies, but there are options for how to handle that situation. You must adhere to the rules- even when you are only playing with friends.  

The majority of the rules are actually related to the ball and how it should be handled during a round of golf. From where the ball must be played, to how you can handle unplayable balls, the ball is one of the most regulated parts of the golf rules.  

A prime example is the “lost ball”. The rules say that if you hit a ball that you cannot find within five minutes, you must head back to the tee and use a new ball. Of course, you will incur a penalty stroke, and well, you have just lost your ball!  

And Finally, the Overview of the Course Itself  

Courses have changed from those early days. Where golf was once a mere pastime played in fields, it is now a sport enjoyed by millions the world over, on courses that are gorgeous modern marvels to man’s will to tame nature. The average golf course is eighteen holes, although smaller courses are only nine. (Nine-hole courses are usually the smaller budgeted or smaller landed courses.) The size of the typical golf course? They range between 5,500 and 7,000 yards, which is why golf is a really good exercise. Do not head out thinking you can handle the high end course on your first day- for one thing, even when you “cheat” and use a golf cart, it is a ton of walking. For another thing, you are lugging a golf bag around with you that can easily way around twenty pounds or more. How heavy do you think that golf bag will feel by hole sixteen or so?  

Each hole on a course is given a “par” which is the average number of strokes that it should take to play that hole. Most courses have a mixture of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s. Remember though, the basic tenet of golf is that the lower your score, the better you are, so you want to try to use par as a goal to beat, not just a guideline. And, make sure that the bulk of your shots are taken before you get to the putting green for that hole. Bad putting can really add the strokes, which is why many golf pros will have  you doing putting drills until you are ready to wrap a nine iron around his neck.  

Golf Today: Sport, Hobby and Fitness  

Golf has changed countless times since its much-debated origin. From fertility rite, to elite sport of the wealthy to the pastime of a bored shepherd, golf has undergone equipment and rule changes to evolve into one of the world’s most popular sports today. It is watched, played and admired by literally millions. Some of the world’s most popular athletes are golfers- with the fan clubs, websites and memorabilia to prove it.  

Many new golfers come to the game as a form of both relaxation and exercise- especially when they are directed to do so by their doctors. For those that are new to both the game and to exercising, starting with a round of nine holes should be plenty, and be sure that you keep careful check on how you feel throughout the afternoon. Remember, golf is a lot more work than what most people credit it with. It works the shoulders, the torso, the lower back and the legs that can be quite painful if you have been lying around for a long time.  

But, don’t get the idea that is only older people forced off of the couch by their doctors and health conditions that take up golf, children as young as four play the game, in fact, little Tiger Woods putted against Bob Hope when he was a mere two years old! High schools across the country have golf teams, and there has been many a youngster that made it to the college of their dreams on a golfing scholarship. Many of us will never play in a tournament, but that does not mean we cannot work hard to get the best golf score that we can get, or that we cannot enjoy each and every warm afternoon on the links that we possibly can.  

Check with your doctor, especially if you are an older adult, and then start small. (Miniature golf really does not count, sorry!) If you can walk, you can learn to golf. Check into a few golf lessons, and then head out and swing that club!  

Golf is also one of the most popular spectator sports in the world as well. Ratings for televised golf tournaments have always been historically very strong, and there are several cable television networks dedicated to golf alone. Type golf into your favorite search engine and you will be shocked by the sheer volume of hits the word “golf” will generate. And again, the pro golfers these days are like rock stars or actors, famed and adored, many with multiple endorsement deals.  

Why Golf is so Popular: A Few Theories  

Golf is one of the world’s favorite sports for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it is accessible to most people- you only have to be able to get to the course. The equipment can be pricey, but there are ways to cut corners and reduce the costs there, so that becomes less of a factor. Golf is a no-contact, low impact form of exercise and when done properly does not carry as much of a risk factor to your joints and body as say, jogging would.  

 Golf does not discriminate by size. You do not have to be super tall or super lean to play golf. You do not have to be built like an appliance to play golf. You never have to run really fast, catch a speeding ball or hip-check your golfing companions. You can be short, tall, fat or thin and still play golf. You can be a fifteen-year old boy, a thirty eight year old woman, or anyone in between. Ultimately, golf is played by many, because it can be played by any.  

Go to the local golf course and watch the people coming and going. You will see a healthy blend of every size, shape and age group. The pros that you watch on television are not built like ultra-fit, athlete-droids; they look like the fit friend that you secretly loathe. You may or may not understand all of the golf terminology and jargon, but you can still basically follow the tournament action. If you have golfed a few times, you may find yourself swept up in a championship, even if you never thought it was possible.  

The Superstars of Golf:  Names Even Anti-Golfers Know By Heart  

Mention golf to anybody in the world and you will eventually here the names Annika Sorenstam and Tiger Woods. Both are excellent representatives of the sport of golf both for today and the future. Excellent athletes, high earning and personable, they embody the game of golf and sportsmanship with dignity and good graces. Battling back from injuries and personal setbacks, both players have shown their dedication to the sport they play so well, setting fine examples for other golfers to follow.  

Annika turned pro in 1994 and has won no less than ten majors in her stellar career. She has had sixteen international victories and remains one of the most enduringly popular players on the LPGA tour. A back injury in 2007 limited Annika to only a baker’s dozen event, but of those nearly half were top ten finishes!  On a personal level, Annika started golfing at twelve and is not the only member of her family in the LPGA, (sister, Charlotta is a golfer as well.)  

Tiger Woods is one of the most recognizable faces in the game today, not only because of his remarkable career, but for his many endorsement deals as well. Woods turned pro in 1996, and has been a fixture in the majors since. Injuries have plagued in him recent years, but he remains and enduring fan favorite.  

The Final Wrap-Up  

From a fertility rite in ancient Egypt, to one of the most popular sports to both play and watch, golf’s rich and much debated history is filled with nearly as many twists and turns as the very best courses themselves. Did the Chinese aristocracy really invent and play golf countless years before bored shepherds in Scotland? Was the game brought to Europe by Mongol traders and then scattered across the continent? Who really could say who has the right to claim golf as their own invention? In the end, does the beginning really matter to those that really love the game?  

 No matter where it started, golf has come light years from wooden, or even gem covered clubs of yesteryear. Titanium shafts, ultra-light heads and better-designed balls mean that today’s average golfers are smacking out distances of 300 yards or more on a daily basis. That was an unimaginable feat back in the days of boiled feather filled balls!  

 Golf is not only one of fastest growing sports, it is also one of the most watched sporting events on television as well. Networks find their coverage of major tournaments to bring in strong numbers, year after year, especially when a fan favorite like Tiger Woods is participating.