Golf Tips And Lessons

20 Little Known But Interesting Golf Facts

Here are some interesting golf facts that you may not know about this wonderful game.

1. It was not until the early part of the 20th century that golf clubs were actually numbered. Prior to this, clubs were given names.

2. Often confused as the old-time driver, the mashie is actually more akin to our modern 5-iron. This same principle holds true to many of the old-time clubs.

3. The first golf club in England, The Royal Blackheath, was founded around 1787. By this time, there were already several golf courses in operation in Scotland.

4. The golf tee was invented by George F. Grant of Boston. It was given a patent in 1899.

5. Measuring 909 yards, the par 7 7th hole at Sano Course at the Satsuki Golf Club in Japan is the longest golf hole in the world.

6. The Scottish course, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, was founded in 1754.

7. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is also the governing body for golf in all areas of the world except the United States.

8. All regulation golf holes must be exactly 4.25 inches in diameter.

9. Hitting from the back tee is often known as hitting from the "Tiger Tee".

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10. The oldest public golf course in the United States is Van Cortlandt in New York City. It opened in 1895.

11. In Britain, the old term for a double-eagle is Albatross.

12. Starting around 1880 and lasting into the 1930's there was a club known as the water club. It was used to hit out of a water hazard!

13. Shooting 4 under par on a hole is known as a condor.

14. Gene Sarazen, one of the all-time great golfers, also invented the sand wedge.

15. Jack Nicklaus earned a whooping $33.33 for his first Tour paycheck in the '62 Los Angles Open.

16. Speaking of paychecks, Walter Hagen was the first golfer to earn money playing as a professional in the 1920's. Prior to Hagen's breakout, earning money as a golfer was done by working in the pro shop or by giving golfing lessons.

17. Players can actually have a negative handicap. Golfers who shoot below par or the course rating often have a negative handicap, although it is actually called a "plus" handicap.

18. The Old Links at Musselburgh, in Scotland, is the oldest known golf course in the world. It was opened in 1672.

19. At one time, players might have pulled out their driving putter. This was a wooden club most often used to hit low trajectory shots into the wind.

20. There are three golf balls on the moon.

These are just a few of the many fascinating facts about golf, a game that is just as mysterious and compelling today as it was at its birth. If you come across an interesting fact, share it with your friends. We all love them!

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