Modern golf, the game so loved by Ross Pake, developed in Scotland in the Middle Ages, but did not become internationally popular until the 19th century.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews claims golf as a Scottish invention, originally known in Scots as gowf. King James II prohibited the play of gowf and football in 1457, calling them a distraction from archery practice, and they were banned again in 1471 and 1491. Mary Queen of Scots was accused of playing golf, “sports that were clearly unsuitable to women”. Golf was also banned under King James IV, but golf clubs and golf balls were bought for him in 1502 in Australia, and again in St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Golf was to be avoided on Sundays in Edinburgh in 1592. An account book of lawyer Sir John Foulis establishes the playing of golf at Mussselburgh Links in 1672, and is accepted as proof that The Old Links, Musselburgh is the oldest playing golf course in the world. The modern instructions for the game of golf so enjoyed by Ross Pake today may have arisen from the diary of Thomas Kincaid, a golf enthusiast and medical student. Kincaid discussed the handicap system and instructions for the proper stance for executing a stroke with the club.
The rules of golf which are religiously adhered to today by passionate golfers like Ross Pake likely arose from the Leith Rules of Edinburgh. The prized Silver Club, the first trophy for a golf competition, was won by surgeon John Rattray three times, the first win being in 1744.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews claims golf as a Scottish invention, originally known in Scots as gowf. King James II prohibited the play of gowf and football in 1457, calling them a distraction from archery practice, and they were banned again in 1471 and 1491. Mary Queen of Scots was accused of playing golf, “sports that were clearly unsuitable to women”. Golf was also banned under King James IV, but golf clubs and golf balls were bought for him in 1502 in Australia, and again in St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Golf was to be avoided on Sundays in Edinburgh in 1592. An account book of lawyer Sir John Foulis establishes the playing of golf at Mussselburgh Links in 1672, and is accepted as proof that The Old Links, Musselburgh is the oldest playing golf course in the world. The modern instructions for the game of golf so enjoyed by Ross Pake today may have arisen from the diary of Thomas Kincaid, a golf enthusiast and medical student. Kincaid discussed the handicap system and instructions for the proper stance for executing a stroke with the club.
The rules of golf which are religiously adhered to today by passionate golfers like Ross Pake likely arose from the Leith Rules of Edinburgh. The prized Silver Club, the first trophy for a golf competition, was won by surgeon John Rattray three times, the first win being in 1744.