Golf Fore the Good

We admit it. We’re addicts.

Avid golfers suffer a reputation; obsessed, compulsive, fixated, call us what you will. We will pretty much do whatever it takes to squeeze in a round. I know of a new-to-the-game mother of a twelve year old who attempted early on to hide her addiction.

After spending some time at the course, my friend picked her daughter up later than arranged.

“Where have you been?”
“Working” my friend replied.
“The why are your golf clubs in the back seat?”
“I left them there from last week.”
“Your jacket and shoes are there too.”

Ooops… bagged.

But this is nothing new. From the 1400’s, back when shepherds batted a rock with a stick, it seems golfers have always had some time management issues.

Golf was banned by the Scottish Parliament under King James II in 1457. Apparently military regiments were neglecting their training in order to spend time on the links. The ban was largely ignored by the golfing public yet was reaffirmed in both 1470 and 1491. The poor, persecuted golfer!

It was not until 1502, under King James IV (James I of England), with the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow between Scotland and England that the ban was lifted. It seems James took up the game, batted it around a bit with Earl of Bothwell and even had a set of clubs made. Funny how, once the man in charge became a player that made everything ok. James was eventually killed, though not on the course. Too much time devoted to sport and not the kingdom, perhaps? Golf has taken down many a good man, but still the game lives on.