Scottish Golf
Looking back through history it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the game of golf came into being. A number of possibilities may have ultimately evolved into the modern game including paganica from Italy, chuiwa from China and cambuca in England (known as chambot in France.) What is far better documented though is the origin of golf in Scotland where records exist detailing James II's banning of the game in 1457 because it provided an unwelcome distraction to the learning of archery!
Although golf is a ball sport, unlike most currently enjoyed, it does not require a pitch on which to play it. As a result, for centuries, Scotland has naturally provided a variety of suitable sites which are ideal for establishing a golf course. Whilst a standard course has 18 holes, each sited on a putting green and marked by a flag, the distance between tee and hole varies, as does the length of the fairway, rough areas, bunkers and water and other hazards en route.
The variability in terms of distance from tee to hole, permissible hazards en route and the average number of strokes to play each hole plus the often unpredictable weather conditions all add to what is an extremely popular precision sport. Despite James II's efforts golf in Scotland continued to thrive and as a result Scotland boasts some of the finest courses in the world making it a popular choice for those taking advantage of golf breaks UK offers.
Throughout the UK are a significant number of excellent courses, many of which host international competitions. For the avid golfer, the range of UK golf breaks tour operators currently provide, not only includes playing opportunities on some of the best known courses in the land but also the chance to watch and learn from professional golfers if the break includes a tournament..
As Scotland is credited with the origin of golf, Scottish courses are probably better known within UK than those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Today's golf resorts are a far cry from the early ones which were built on links land - the soil covered dunes slightly inland from the shore. Media coverage, particularly live televising of championships, has put golf firmly on the sporting map and made Carnoustie, Muirfield, Turnberry Ailsa, St Andrews and Royal Dornoch familiar names to both non-golfers and golfers alike.
Golf courses and their associated facilities not only require a lot of land but varied terrain with good natural drainage. The spread of population, geology, natural beauty and changeable climate are all conducive to encouraging golf in Scotland.
As a competitive, precision ball sport golf has many challenges to offer the keen player, not least because of the huge variety in terms of places to play and playing conditions, - the latter added to by being a truly outdoor sport. Golf is also well recognised for its sociability.
Maybe with fewer conflicts to resolve by bow and arrow these days, James II would have acquiesced and even become a keen golfer himself!
Although golf is a ball sport, unlike most currently enjoyed, it does not require a pitch on which to play it. As a result, for centuries, Scotland has naturally provided a variety of suitable sites which are ideal for establishing a golf course. Whilst a standard course has 18 holes, each sited on a putting green and marked by a flag, the distance between tee and hole varies, as does the length of the fairway, rough areas, bunkers and water and other hazards en route.
The variability in terms of distance from tee to hole, permissible hazards en route and the average number of strokes to play each hole plus the often unpredictable weather conditions all add to what is an extremely popular precision sport. Despite James II's efforts golf in Scotland continued to thrive and as a result Scotland boasts some of the finest courses in the world making it a popular choice for those taking advantage of golf breaks UK offers.
Throughout the UK are a significant number of excellent courses, many of which host international competitions. For the avid golfer, the range of UK golf breaks tour operators currently provide, not only includes playing opportunities on some of the best known courses in the land but also the chance to watch and learn from professional golfers if the break includes a tournament..
As Scotland is credited with the origin of golf, Scottish courses are probably better known within UK than those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Today's golf resorts are a far cry from the early ones which were built on links land - the soil covered dunes slightly inland from the shore. Media coverage, particularly live televising of championships, has put golf firmly on the sporting map and made Carnoustie, Muirfield, Turnberry Ailsa, St Andrews and Royal Dornoch familiar names to both non-golfers and golfers alike.
Golf courses and their associated facilities not only require a lot of land but varied terrain with good natural drainage. The spread of population, geology, natural beauty and changeable climate are all conducive to encouraging golf in Scotland.
As a competitive, precision ball sport golf has many challenges to offer the keen player, not least because of the huge variety in terms of places to play and playing conditions, - the latter added to by being a truly outdoor sport. Golf is also well recognised for its sociability.
Maybe with fewer conflicts to resolve by bow and arrow these days, James II would have acquiesced and even become a keen golfer himself!