In our last post, we discussed how golf was originally a gambling man’s sport and how dangerously popular the game was to the Dutch; who were supposed to have originated the sport. However, I think the Scot's would beg to differ.
An ongoing debate as to whether the Scottish originated the game of ‘goulf’; has been brewing for centuries. Though the Chinese are adamant that the Southern Tang Dynasty originated and exported the game by way of Mongolian travelers; the Scots oldest Scottish organization, the Royal and Ancient Club of St. Andrew argues that the actual ’18-hole1’ concept and structure, came from none other than the ‘land of the Gaels’.
Their take is that even though chuíwán (捶丸) was played with ten (10) clubs; the equipment and where they played the game is insignificant. Their stance is that the ultimate strategy of the sport; as far as ‘whoever hit the ball with the least number of strokes into a target several hundred yards away2’ is only noteworthy if there’s an actual structure for using the Dutch’s ‘colf’ ball or the shaobang; the Chinese equivalent to a three-iron. This fact, they argue, is non negotiable and cannot be debated. And yes, this 18-hole legacy is one that the Scot's will go to their grave to maintain their bragging rights to.
And there's another difference of opinion the two share; while the Dutch's aristocracy took in a few rounds; according to Scottish history books, King James II banned the sport on the grounds that it was a ‘distraction from archery practice for military purposes3.’ Since an entire 18-hole round can last anywhere from three and a half (3½) to four and a half (4½) hours, it’s no wonder the King was upset that his nation’s military were devoting a large portion of their day to the sport. But unlike the Dutch, who banned the game because of its dangerously popular and profitable gambling aspects; the Scots deemed the sport ‘unprofitable3.’
So as you can see, the history of golf, as far as who originated the sport, will be one that’ll be debated for centuries to come. But one thing’s for certain; the game isn’t going anywhere and at Stoneybrook Country Club we’re glad about it! In fact, when was the last time you played a round on our six (6) teeing grounds ranging from 6587 yards to 4965 yards from our forward tees? But just to let you know how we feel, we welcome the Dutch, the Scots, and the Chinese to come play on our lush greens. Because at Stoneybrook Country Club - it’s not how you start the game, but that you tee off!
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SOURCE: 1 - 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_golf
