Kids these days often don’t seem to appreciate the history of golf. Unfortunately, with their smartphones and video games, many modern kids don’t have much interaction with sports. However, for those youngsters interested in learning from the stories of the past, golf has a lot to teach. These are just a few highlights of the game’s exciting story for young learners.
Has Humble Origins
Most historians trace the beginnings of the sport to the 15th century ball and stick games in Scotland around St. Andrews. Teaching youngsters about these early years will bring the story to life. Children will love hearing about its origins as a stone-hitting game in the Scottish lowlands with a primitive stick.
he is very old
Unless young students are explicitly taught that the sport has some roots in the Dutch Netherlands, how are they to know that the Flemish poet Jacob van Maerlant was the first to mention the proto-sport of “kolf” in 1261? That means people have been enjoying greens for over 700 years!
it’s for everyone
There is a popular rumor in St. Andrews that golf originally meant “Gentlemen only. No ladies”. But don’t tell that to Mary Queen of Scots, who liked to hit a few balls and shockingly hit her links after her second husband was murdered. Today, a junior golf membership means anyone can enjoy the game!
it’s a game for friends
Relaxing on the links is a great way to spend time with friends. Young students learning about its history will learn how John Rattray, surgeon to Prince Charles Edward the Stuart and one of the sport’s early champions, was saved from the gallows by his friend and colleague Duncan Forbes after being imprisoned following the Jacobite Rising in 1745. His fellow Jacobin, Sir John Foulis, a baron from the affluent Ravelston area of Edinburgh, was not so lucky, but before his execution, he met his friends at the Leith links at least once a fortnight.
has a rebellious side
Today’s youth will appreciate the freedom of a junior golf membership even more when they hear the cautionary tale of the six boys from Perth, Scotland. After being caught hitting the tees on a Saturday in 1604, the boys had to publicly confess their sins to their congregations.
It is the true sport of kings.
Students who think horse racing is the sport of kings obviously don’t know about golf! James IV of Scotland banned the game in the late 1400s, but that didn’t stop him from playing it. Much of the English and Scottish upper class at this time insisted that the sport be reserved for them alone.
Golf has come a long way from its humble origins in Scotland. There are now more than 10,000 USGA courses in the United States, making the game accessible to almost any young student interested in a junior golf membership. Speaking of a hole in one!