Global Golf Month: Growing The Game
Imagine trying to hit a pebble with an ever so slightly bent wooden stick around a small paved out path surrounded and guarded by loose sand dunes. This was golf before it was golf. Many believe golf came from Scotland, and while true, similar “games” were recalled having been played in neighboring countries, centuries prior to arriving in Scotland. In the 13th century, an Old Middle Dutch manuscript recalls playing “kolf” a game made up with a stick and leather ball, with the objective of reaching a target. But it wasn’t until the Scotts, that these fun and casual ball and stick games became a formalized sport.
"Stick and ball games have been around for many centuries, but golf as we know it today, played over 18 holes, clearly originated in Scotland." – Spokesman for St. Andrews
Throughout the following centuries, golf underwent a transformation, evolving from a sport exclusive to the upper echelons of society to becoming accessible to a much broader range of individuals in the present day. Technological leaps also took place, giving rise to innovative clubs and equipment that revolutionized how the game is played.
Today there are over 65 million “golfers” in the world. It's truly remarkable to witness how golf has evolved from its humble origins of bent sticks and pebbles to a globally renowned game, captivating millions of people through both spectating and enjoying the game themselves. Arnold Palmer might have described it best.
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” -Arnold Palmer
The remarkable journey of golf, both in the past and in the future, owes its success to the collective efforts of numerous individuals and groups. From the awe-inspiring golfers who made the sport riveting and relatable, such as Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods, to the contributions of our local pros, players, leagues, supportive friends, and so much more. Each person has played a vital role in shaping the sport into what it is today and what it can be tomorrow.
“Arnold’s place in history will be as the man who took golf from being a game for the few to a sport for the masses. He was the catalyst who made that happen.” -Jack Nicklaus
Arccos continues to do our part to make the game better. We are passionate about helping golfers understand their on-course performance. We’ve captured over 750 Million shots since our inception. By making this technology available to all golfers and capturing this data we are able to identify ways golfers of all skill levels can improve. We all know when you get better you have more fun and play more golf.
We are proudly commemorating the game and highlighting its growth through a series of short videos featuring our members. These videos showcase the significant influence they have on other golfers, their community, and the game as a whole. It's a tribute to the sport's enduring spirit and the positive impact that golfers can make on the world of golf.
Keep an eye out on Arccos' social media channels to hear the amazing stories of some Arccos Members.
