It is known that golf is a very old game but the origins of it are still unclear. People debate about the beginnings of golf and the debate is between Chinese, Dutch and Scottish. The most accepted theory is that golf originated from Scotland in the 1100's. We know that golf has existed for at least 500 years because back in March 6, 1457, James II of Scotland in an Act of Parliament banned football and golf so that the people would focus more on archery practice that was much needed by the defenders of the Scottish realm. Some say that near St. Andrews there were shepherds who tended to flocks of sheep and due to their boredom started to hit rounded stones into rabbit holes with wooden crooks.
As early as the 14th century various forms of games resembling golf were played by sportsman in Belgium, Holland, Scotland and France. From Scotland James Baron VI brought the game to England when he succeeded to the English throne in 1603. At this time the game was being played on rough terrain without proper greens and jagged holes in the ground. Early golfers also played the game without forming a society or club. Finally in 1744 a group of Edinburgh golfers organized a club called the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. It was at this point that all 13 rules of golf were established for an annual competition between the sportsmen from any part of Ireland and Great Britain.
Within a few years after in 1834 the Society of St. Andrews Golfers was formed. This is when King William IV became the societies patron. The title was changed to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The earliest clubs that were formed outside of Scotland was the Royal Blackheath Golf Club of England which started in 1766 followed by the Old Manchester Golf Club that was founded in 1818. In the 18th century golf was known to exist within the United States but it was not very well known. Golf was first established in Canada and created firm roots in North America. In 1873 the Royal Montreal Club was formed not long after the Quebec Golf Club in 1875 which than was followed by a golf club at Toronto in 1876. It was not until 1888 that golf resurfaced in the United States.
John Reid who was a Scotsman first built a three hole course in Yonkers, New York near his home and later that same year he formed the St. Andrews Club of Yonkers on a nearby thirty acre site. It was with these beginnings that golf has soared as very well known national pastime in the United States and also other areas of the world. Tournaments and championships at these great original clubs add on to the history of each golf course. When the golf players go to each of these courses they think back and mention all the great golf players who have left their mark and have given them someone to look up to. This gives players a great sense of motivation. To know that there were those who came before you and who were able to achieve great accomplishments and have made themselves great legends. These legends will always be known across all various clubs and courses where they played and made a name for themselves.