National Golf Day

A group of people wearing colorful golf attire, swinging golf clubs on a lush green golf course with amused expressions.. — National golf day illustration

Grab your clubs, don your tackiest tartan apparel and join us on the green for a whole lot of tee-hee fun because today, my friends, is National Golf Day! This joy-filled day magically transforms everyone into honorary Tigers Woods (minus the controversy). So, let's get into the swing of things!

When is Golf Day?

It's national golf day on the 15th April.

Par-Tee Time

Say 'aloha' to boredom, and 'fore' to fun! National Golf Day first made its way onto the scene with a fabulous splash of white and green. According to our digital archaeology, we've teed up a total of 15455 mentions of National Golf Day online. The most significant peak in those was on 15th April 2015. Was there a putt-erfly effect, or did everyone spontaneously start to love golf? The mystery remains!

Falling in Glove with Golf

Like a smooth, confident swing, National Golf Day didn't just chip into our calendars overnight. It has been growing steadily over the years, embracing a mission to celebrate the sport’s feisty spirit and genteel etiquette. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie failing your way to success, today’s the day for everyone to come out and play.

Why Do People Love National Golf Day?

The spirit of this day stems from the love people have for the great outdoors, friendly competition, and the quiet pride of a well-executed swing. Every year, golf enthusiasts and hobbyists alike take this wonderful opportunity to head to their local golf course, reminisce about their golfing 'war stories', and buy some new golf balls (because the water-hazard seems to be a black hole for those!).

History behind the term 'Golf'

1457

The Birth of Golf

The term 'golf' originates from the Dutch word 'kolf' or 'kolve' which means 'stick' or 'club.' Golf as a game has deep roots and can be traced back to 15th century Scotland. Back then, it was known as 'gowf' in Scotland, and it soon became popular among the Scottish nobility.

1764

First Known Rules

The first recorded rules of golf were established in 1764 by the Company of Gentlemen Golfers, later renamed The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. These rules, known as the 'Edinburgh Rules,' laid the foundation for the modern game of golf. The word 'golf' was used in these rules for the first time.

1834

Golf Clubs and Balls

In 1834, the gutty ball was introduced. It was made from gutta-percha, a rubber-like material produced from the sap of a tropical tree. The advent of this new ball led to the establishment of many golf clubs and increased the popularity of the game worldwide. The term 'golf' became more widely known and used internationally.

1894

Formation of the USGA

In 1894, the United States Golf Association (USGA) was founded to govern and promote the game of golf in the United States. This marked an important milestone in the global recognition and standardization of the term 'golf.' The USGA's involvement helped popularize the sport and solidify the terminology used.

1971

The Birth of the Modern Golf Ball

In 1971, the first two-piece golf ball was invented by Spalding. This ball consisted of a solid, molded core encased in a durable cover. The two-piece construction revolutionized golf balls, making them more durable and providing greater distance and control. The term 'golf' by then had become synonymous with the game played with these modern golf balls.