The Questions about this beautiful game - Golf, Gowf, Gouf

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Why is it called GOLF?

As far as we know, there is no definite answer as to why the game of golf is so called. The term seems to have originated from the old Scots words golve, gowl or gouf and is possibly borrowed from medieval Dutch (colf being club and “spel metten colven” being game (played) with club - this was a Dutch game resembling golf). As time has passed, the name has remained and been refined to golf, as we know it today. You will still hear older Scottish golfers refer to the game as the Gowf, keeping the older Scots name in use. Indeed, a golf club in Ayrshire is still called Loudoun Gowf Club today.
When did golf begin?

The earliest known reference to golf dates to 1457, when King James II of Scotland banned golf and football on the grounds that they where keeping his subjects from their archery practice. The ban was repeated in 1471 by James III and in 1491 by James IV for the same reason.

When did golf in St. Andrews begin?

The first surviving written reference to golf in St. Andrews is contained in Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter of 1552. This reserves the right of the people of St. Andrews to use the linksland “for golff, futball, schuteing and all gamis”. As early as 1691, the town had become known as the “metropolis of golfing”.


What does LINKS mean?

A golf links is a stretch of land near the coast characterised by undulating terrain, often associated with dunes, infertile sandy soil and indigenous grasses such as marram, sea lyme and the fescues and bents which, when properly managed, produce the fine textured, tight turf for which links are famed.

The course rota used for the Open Championship is made up of Links golf courses.


Why are there 18 holes on a golf course?

Initially, there was no standard number of holes on a golf course. St Andrews for example had 22 holes until about 1764 when 4 were merged to make an 18 hole course. As far as we can establish, there is no specific date for when 18 holes became the standard number of holes on a course. In 1858, the R&A issued new rules for its members; Rule 1 stated:

“one round of the Links or 18 holes is reckoned a match unless otherwise stipulated”.

We can only presume that, as many clubs looked to the R&A for advice, this was slowly adopted throughout Britain. By the 1870s, therefore, more courses had 18 holes and a round of golf was being accepted as consisting of 18 holes.

Why is BOGEY so called?

The term originated from the mythical golfer, Colonel Bogey, a player of high amateur standard who was held to play every hole of a given course in the standard stroke score. The meaning of the term has changed over the years. It is now most commonly used to denote a score of one stroke over par, but was originally the target score that a good amateur should achieve on a given course. In the same way par became associated with the target score for professionals. For a while the two terms were interchangeable until par became the standard term.

What does PAR mean?

The dictionary definition of the word par is usual or average. It is, therefore clear why it was adopted by golfers to mean the standard score in strokes for each hole of a given course. The term was mentioned in 1891 in Golf magazine as follows "the result was satisfactory to the handicappers, as the par of the green for gentleman ... was nearly attained by three couples." This would indicate that the term was in use by this time.

And BIRDIE, EAGLE and ALBATROSS?

As with many terms used in golf, the exact origins are not known. The term birdie seems to have been accepted into common usage over a period of time. The term appears to have originated from the phrase "a bird of a shot." In US slang a bird was used to exclaim that something was wonderful or excellent. When used by golfers it may have implied that the ball "flew like a bird." The term seems to have been in use by the 1910s.

The terms eagle and albatross where coined as an analogy with birdie. As the score under par increases so does the size and rarity of the bird. Eagle is two under par and an albatross refers to 3 stokes under.

Why do golfers shout FORE?

As is often the situation with questions about the origins of golfing terms, there really isn't a definite answer. It seems that the term fore has some relation to the forecaddie. The forecaddie was a person employed to go ahead of players to mark the lie of balls in play. It may be that, over time, the word forecaddie was shortened when yelled as a warning to this person and the word has remained in use since. In 1881, Robert Forgan in his book, The Golfer's Handbook, makes the following reference "...shouts "Fore!" to give the alarm to anyone in his way." indicating that the term has been used for a long time.

Why are CADDIES so called?

This word has a number of possible origins. It may have derived from the French word cadet which means youngest. Traditionally the youngest son of the family would join the army, and the word became associated with army cadets. The word was borrowed into most European languages. In 18th century Scotland, particularity Edinburgh, there were men who hired themselves out as odd-job men and messengers. As many of them had previously been in the army they became known as caddies meaning “gentlemen freelancers or non-commissioned officers” in distinction from a regularly employed private servant.

How valuable is my golf club?

If you have any golfing items and would like to find out if they are worth anything, you will need to contact an auction house. The Museum is unable to provide valuations. If you require historical information, please contact the Museum with a detailed description of your golf club including a photograph.

Good article, thanks BG!

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