Here we present a number of paintings, etchings and photographs from the history of golf, taken from books. Click on any picture to see a larger version.
Origins
It isn't clear when and where the game of golf originated. One legend has it that it began with a shepherd in Scotland who used to amuse himself by hitting stones from a mountainside using his crook. Another theory is that golf originated from a similar game played in Holland in olden times, known as "Kolf". Or it may have originated independantly in several places as different games which evolved together to form the modern game. This painting shows early golfing in Holland.
Here is a portrait of a Dutch gentleman ready to go golfing, with caddy.
In Scotland and England, golf was usually played on a links course. The term comes about because this margin of land at the edge of the sea was known as a "links" in Scotland, literally linking the land to the sea. This painting from 1850 shows a golf links in North Berwick, England, about thirty miles from Edinburgh.
Golf also became popular on the Continent. This early photograph shows a party enjoying some golf while on holiday in Cannes.
Note that it is a woman golfer taking her shot in the photo above. The game doesn't seem to have been a male preserve. This engraving shows Mary Queen of Scots playing. This helps explain the phrase "Royal and Ancient game".
Here is another engraving that shows lady golfers. It looks to be quite a pageant. You have to wonder what kind of scores they are making, playing a rough course, with a feather ball and wooden clubs, while wearing those clothes.
Here is another fine engraving of a lady golfer in action.
Another example of golfing as a painter's subject. The green looks much rougher than on today's manicured courses. Note that two men are carring golf bags. Presumably, they are the caddies.
This is the front cover of an edition of the "Golf Illustrated" from 1899. This was the first golf publication and is evidence that the game was gaining increased popularity at this time.
A greater variety of grips were used in the early days of golf. Here, we see the so called "baseball grip" being used, circa 1900.
Heroes
The so-called "Great Triumvirate" consisted of three champion players, dominant in the sport during the 1920s and 1930s. They were Sir Henry Cotton, Harry Vardon and James Braid. Here are their pictures, in that order. James Braid is demonstrating his followthrough and note that he is using a hickory-shafted club.
Another two famous golfers during the 1930s were Horton Smith of the USA and Bobby Jones.
Finally we have Walter Hagan and the legendary Sam Snead.
If you have any historical photos or information you would like to share with GoforGOLF members, please send it to us for inclusion on this page.   Regards,   GoforGOLF

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