The earliest recorded mention of golf dates back to 1457, when King James II of Scotland banned the game because it distracted soldiers from archery practice. By the 16th century, golf had gained popularity among Scottish nobility, and the first known written rules were established by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers in 1744. The sport spread to England and later to the United States, where it flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The 20th century saw golf transform into a professional sport, with the establishment of major tournaments such as The Open Championship, the U.S. Open, the Masters, and the PGA Championship. These events have become iconic, drawing the world’s best players and millions of viewers. Technological advancements in equipment, such as graphite shafts and high-performance golf balls, have further revolutionized the game, making it more accessible and competitive.