About This Quiz
The sport of golf is defined as much by the etiquette of the game as it is by the actual shooting and putting. But, do you know all of the little details of golf etiquette? Could you pass this quiz that goes through all of those details? Why not give it a shot?
Since the beginning of modern golf in the 19th century, the sport has had a set of formal rules that make the game flow and work. However, it's the informal rules which have developed over the years that really define the game for everyone to enjoy. After all, golf etiquette keeps everyone on the course safe and helps protect the equipment as well as the course. If the etiquette of golf did not exist, the sport would not be the same because there would be no universal language for the different groups playing to adhere to.
Are you an expert on everything golf, though, including golf etiquette? Do you know all of the little details that allow the game to flow smoothly each day for everyone playing? If you think you really are a golf expert, then take this challenging quiz and put that knowledge to the ultimate test!
Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. However, influence for the game came from Holland and Belgium.
Originally, golf was played with pebbles as golf balls. The pebbles were knocked around with clubs made from sticks.
When golf popped up in Scotland, natural courses were used from everyday environments. Courses included natural sand dunes and fields with holes dug into the ground.
Advertisement
The holes in the ground are what make golf unique from other games with a stick and ball. That's why the game can't be compared directly with kolven, which was one of its influences.
The sport of golf was introduced to England by King Charles I. Charles was also the king of Scotland and Ireland at the time.
The name "caddie" came from Mary Queen of Scots. The term originally meant helpers from the French Army.
Advertisement
The Leith golf course in Scotland hosted the first-ever international tournament. The tournament was played between golfers from Scotland and England.
Leith was also home to the first golf club. It was known as the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith.
The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith hosted an annual tournament. The winner of the tournament received a silver golf club.
Advertisement
The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith also drafted a set of rules. The rules were primarily drafted by Duncan Forbes.
In 1759, stroke play began in golf. Not long after that, the standard 18-hole course became popular.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews did a lot to promote golf in the 19th century. This included a publication of rules for the sport.
Advertisement
The Golf Club at St. Andrews also held the first women's golf club. It was established in 1895.
Old golf clubs were handcrafted for the players. This made the clubs quite expensive.
The first golf club outside Scotland was formed in England. It was called the Royal Blackheath.
Advertisement
Thanks to the British Empire, the game of golf spread around the world. During the 19th century, courses popped up in countries as far as India and China.
The first major championship was played in 1860. The game was played at the Prestwick Golf Club.
One of the earliest winners of the major championship during its first decade was Old Tom Morris. He won the event in 1862, 1864 and 1867.
Advertisement
The son of Old Tom Morris, also called Tom Morris, won the event four times in a row. His first win came in 1869.
The earliest golfers made a living by betting against their opponents. They also had to pay their caddie, of course.
The Augusta National Golf Club is a course and club located in Augusta, Georgia. It is one of the four major tournaments played today.
Advertisement
The Augusta National was started by Bobby Jones, an amateur golfer. The first tournament was played there in 1934, known as the Masters Tournament.
The lowest score ever shot at the Masters was a 63. This score was shot by Nick Price in 1986.
No player has more wins at the Masters Tournament than Jack Nicklaus, who has six. The next closest golfer has four.
Advertisement
Jack Nicklaus also has the most major wins of any golfer ever. He finished his career with 18 wins.
Tiger Woods has the second most majors. His first major was in 1997 at the Masters.
Tiger Woods also has the second most PGA Tour wins with 79. In fact, his rookie season he was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year.
Advertisement
Sam Snead is first all time with PGA Tour wins. He finished his career with 82 wins.
Sam Snead never won a U.S. Open. It was the only major tournament he never won.
Sam Snead's nickname was "Slammin' Sammy" because of his driving distance. Many fans believe he had the best swing ever.
Advertisement
Bobby Jones is the only golfer to achieve a Grand Slam in a single year. He accomplished this in 1930.
A career Grand Slam is when a golfer wins all of the major tournaments at least once during their career. The first golfer to accomplish this was Gene Sarazen.
Only five golfers have ever achieved a career Grand Slam. The last golfer to do this was Tiger Woods.
Advertisement
Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy are tied for the lowest score at the U.S. Open. Both players shot 16 under par during two different tournaments.