It seems that kids these days often lack an appreciation for the history of golf. Unfortunately, with their smartphones and video games, not many modern kids interact with sports. For those young people interested in learning from stories from the past, golf has a lot to teach. Here are some highlights from the exciting history of the game for young learners.
She has humble origins
Most historians trace the beginnings of the sport back to the 15th century in the stick and ball games in Scotland, around St Andrews. Teaching youngsters about these early years will make history come alive. Children will love to hear about its origins as a game in which a pebble was struck around the Scottish Lowlands with a primitive club.
It’s really old
Unless young students are explicitly taught that the sport has some roots in the Dutch Low Countries, how do they know that the Flemish poet Jacob van Maerlant was the first to mention primitive sport “kolf” In 1261? This means that people have been enjoying the vegetable for over 700 years!
For everyone
There is a popular rumor in St Andrews that golf originally meant “gentlemen only. Ladies forbidden”. But don’t tell Mary, Queen of Scots, who was fond of whacking a few balls and scandalously bumped ties after her second husband was murdered. Today, junior golf membership means anyone can enjoy the game!
It is a game for friends
Relaxing on the links is an excellent way to spend time with friends. Young students learning about its history will learn how John Rattray, surgeon to Prince Charles Edward Stuart and one of the sport’s early champions, was rescued from the gallows by his friend and colleague, Duncan Forbes, after he was imprisoned after the Jacobite rising. 1745. A fellow Jacobite, Sir John Foulis, Baronet of the affluent district of Ravelston in Edinburgh, was not so fortunate, but before his execution he met with his friends in the Bonds of Leith at least once every fortnight.
She has a rebellious side
Today’s youth will appreciate the freedom of Junior Golf members more when they hear the cautionary tale of the six boys from Perth, Scotland. After they were caught beating the tees on Saturday in 1604, the boys had to confess their sins to the congregation in public.
It is the true sport of kings
Obviously, students who think horse racing is the sport of kings know nothing about golf! James IV of Scotland banned the game in the late 15th century, but that didn’t stop him from playing it. Much of the English and Scottish upper crust at this time insisted that the sport was just for them.
Golf has come a long way since its humble origins in Scotland. Today there are more than 10,000 USGA courses across the United States, making the game accessible to any young student interested in membership in entry-level golf. Talk about a hole in one!
