Leisure Kicks - The essencial sport and leisure guide

It has been highly debated throughout the years who invented the game of golf. Although there is no definite conclusion as to who created the game, Scotland is known as the first nation to embrace the sport. Golf has existed for at least 500 years, as it is documented that King James II of Scotland banned both golf and football in 1457 as they were considered too distracting from archery and other military-related training.

Golf courses as we know them today did not exist; people played through uneven terrain, with the holes generally being made on the flattest part of the land they could find. The earliest golf clubs were produced by fine craftsmen whose other creations included bows and arrows used in war. The first club on record to be formed was in 1744 in Edinburgh.

Golf courses as we know them today did not exist; people played through uneven terrain, with the holes generally being made on the flattest part of the land they could find. The earliest golf clubs were produced by fine craftsmen whose other creations included bows and arrows used in war. The first club on record to be formed was in 1744 in Edinburgh.

Choose your sport

English golfer Harry Vardon won the Open Championship a record six times
Wikimedia Commons