History of Golf

There are many types of enjoyable exercise, but one that comes to the top of the list is the game of golf. There are golf courses in nearly every community in the United States and beyond, and all offer tee times that are available when you make golf course reservations. How golf got its start is a fascinating topic that all golfers want to know more about, and the game has a history rich in culture and lore.

There is much lively discussion over the origins of the game of golf. Many different cultures have laid claims to being the first one to have invented the game. For instance, an eleventh century Chinese book talks about a game that sounds like golf. In the Netherlands' city of Loenen aan de Vecht the game was said to be mentioned as having been played in 1297. Some scholars believe that the Vikings invented the game of golf in the middle of the thirteenth century. Scotland has long been believed to be the location where golfing was invented as well. Golf was played at the famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, and this led to a law being put in place by King James the Second in 1457. The king's soldiers were spending too much time playing the game and not practicing their archery, so he outlawed the game at St. Andrews. Early accounts of the game are also seen in depictions inside England's Gloucester Cathedral dating back to 1340.

The word "golf" is based on the Dutch word "kolf," which refers to a "bat, club or stick," and thus may lend credence to the idea that golf began in the Netherlands. Apparently there was a game where you place an object in a hole in the ice, and this was called "ice kolf," which might be seen as how the land-based form of the game started. More recently, a German scholar has found early depictions of the game of "Kolven," which was a game about putting a ball into a hole, and this supposedly helps to set the sport's origins in the Netherlands.

A couple of the oldest golf courses are St. Andrews and the Old Links at Musselburgh, both in Scotland. It is believed that Mary, Queen of Scots, played golf at Musselburgh in 1567. The Old Links had only seven holes originally, but eventually it grew to nine. St. Andrews started out with eleven holes that were played twice, for a total of twenty-two. In time, some of the links were shortened and combined, so that it played out at eighteen holes.

This ancient game can still be enjoyed worldwide today, and its history simply adds to its popularity.

Guide to Angus, Scotland

Introduction

Angus is the area north of Dundee, stretching up towards Aberdeen. There are the coastal towns of Carnoustie, Arbroath and Montrose and the inland the main towns are Forfar, Brechin and Kirriemuir. However I wouldn't spend too much time in the towns, it's the diverse countryside on which you should concentrate. The main East Coast railway line runs north from Dundee through Carmoustie, Arbroath and Montrose. If you want to fully explore the region car hire is advisable. The dual carriageway from Dundee to Aberdeen runs through Angus bypassing Forfar and Brechin.

Unique Points

Angus has variety of landscapes and terrain stretching from the coast in the east to the start of the Cairngorm Mountains as you head west. You can see dramatic coastal cliffs, monuments, castles, heather clad mountains, rivers, streams and fertile valleys within a 30 mile drive. It is easily accessible from the central belt of Scotland.

Carnoustie

Carnoustie will host the 2007 and Golf Open Championship from July 19 - 22 2007. However it is a public links and bookings can be made to play subject to handicap rules. Golf has been played here since the 1500s. The present course was designed in 1850 but after some adjustments in 1937 the course has remained virtually unchanged. The prom has been recently revamped and has many giant sea shell sculptures along the wall.

Barry Mill is a working 18th century meal mill, is located two miles west of Carnoustie. The machinery at Barry Mill is still in working order and the custodian gives you an excellent demonstration and commentary. There is a lovely level walk up to the mill pond and the weir with several picnic benches.

Arbroath

When I think of Arbroath the first thing which springs to mind is the Arbroath Smokie, haddock smoked over hardwood, until coppery gold. The Arbroath Smokie is now protected by EU legislation which states that the fish must be smoked in the traditional manner, within an eight km radius of Arbroath. There was even a tartan launched in 2005 to pay homage to the Smokie. The three mile walk north along the red sandstone cliffs to the village of Auchmthie is a must for me when I visit the town. They are a favourite location for fishermen and rock climbers. There are signs everywhere to be aware of the potential danger. Take them seriously, when my husband was fishing there he had to call a rescue helicopter to come to the aid of an injured rock climber.

Arbroath Abbey founded in 1178 was the site of the Declaration of Arbroath where Scottish nobles swore their independence from England.

The Bell Rock Lighthouse is considered to be one of the seven industrial wonders of the world alongside projects such as the Panama Canal. The rocks eleven miles from Arbroath, often submerged beneath the sea, had caused many shipwrecks over the years. However it was an feat or engineering to construct the lighthouse on these rocks when work could only take place during low tide. The lighthouse is often referred to as Stevenson's lighthouse, after the Scottish engineer credited with it's design and construction. The lighthouse, automated since the 1950s has required no repairs since its opening in 1811. The buildling which is now the The Signal Tower Museum was built in 1813 and used until 1955 as living accommodation for the familes of the Bell Rock Lighthouse keepers.

Where to eat

Weather permitting, there is nothing better than sitting eating your fish and chips from "Marco's on the Shore" fish and chip shop with the harbour view. The fish is good quality, it's a large portion of one and a half fillets and it's freshly cooked to order

Montrose

Montrose is built on an estuarial peninsula bordered to the east by the sea and to the west by River South Esk. The harbour has been used for landing fish, the import and export of timber and wool and more recently in connection with North Sea Oil. I always thought that the High Street was very grand but didn't realise that it is the widest High Street in Scotland. Montrose Museum and Art Gallery, constructed in 1842 was one of Scotland's first purpose built museums, housing artefacts such as the Marquis of Montrose's 16th century sword and an 18th century Jacobite garter ribbon, worn secretly in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Montrose Basin Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve is base for exploring the basin all the wildlife that lives there. The Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre is at the 1913 site of the first operational military airfield of the Royal Flying Corps.

In October 2006 the statue of Bamse, the heroic canine crew member of the Norwegian Minesweeper, Thorudd, based in Montrose during WW2, was unveiled. He stands proudly, wearing his hat, in Wharf Street by the river.

The House of Dun was designed by William Adam. It has lovely views over the Montrose Basin There are many tales of the house being haunted and there was a Ghost Club investigation in 2006. You can reach the house of Dun by four mile stretch of the Caledonian Railway.

Dunninald House and Garden is located 2 miles south of Montrose. The present Gothic style house was completed in 1824 but the garden was created in 1740. Dunninald Gardens are open in aid of Scotland's Garden Scheme on Sunday 20 May 2007. The house and gardens are open Thursday 28 June to Sunday 29 July 2007, daily except Mondays.

Forfar

It's believed that Forfar has been a settlement since the 4th century when Picts lived by Forfar Loch. Forfar was the market town of the region. There was period of witch hunts in Forfar during the early 1660s, with nine executions.

I spent quite a bit of time in Forfar as a youngster, as my grandfather owned the newsagents, SJ Mutch, on East High Street. The exterior of the shop is unchanged but it is now part of a chain of newsagents.

I like to do the 2 mile circular walk around Forfar Loch when I visit the town. You can see the Balmashanner War Memorial on the hills to the south of Forfar. It was constructed in 1920 in honour of the dead of the First World War.

You may like to sample the local delicacy, the Forfar Bridie, a large horseshoe shaped meat pie.

Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, lies five miles south west of Forfar. There are various events staged here such as the Annaul Grand Scottish Picnic Prom, Highland Games and outdoor performances of plays. Angus Folk Museum of agricultural heritage is also in Glamis.

Six miles north east of Forfar lie the Aberlemno Sculptured Stones.

Kirriemuir

Kirriemuir is called the wee red town, due to many of the buildings being constructed of red sandstone. Kirremuir was a centre for textile manufacture from the 18th to the early 20th century. Most of the production was done by hand in the homes of the workers.
The cottage where JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, was born is now owned by the National Trust. Barrie's mother was a weaver. My great Grandmother lived in Barrie's birthplace until the early 1960s when it was taken over the National Trust. One room in the cottage has been furnished with furniture from Barrie's London flat. Outside in the wash house you can see where Barrie's first plays were performed. There is a garden with a statue of Peter Pan and bush trained to grow like a giant crocodile. Barrie could have been buried in Poets Corner in Westminster Abbey but prefered the graveyard in Kirrie. I don't blame him as the graveyard is in a lovely south facing location with views over to the Sidlaw hills.

Camera Obscura was gifted to the town by JM Barrie and affords extensive views over the surrounding area. The Canera Obscura was neglected for many years and reopened in 1999. It is amazing to see the 360 degree panoramic views reflected on to white wooden concave table in the octagonal viewing room. I felt as though I was looking at a retouched picture postcard until I saw the image of a car or person passing by. I was lucky to visit on a sunny bright day and you could see mountains up to sixty miles away. The building also coupled as a cricket pavilion as Barrie was a great fan of the sport.

The Aviation Museum, tel 01575 573235, housing the private collection of a Second World War veteran opened in the town in the 1980s.

Sir Hugh Munro, who in 1891 published the list of Scottish mountains higher than 3000 feet, know as Munros, lived in the Lindertis estate close to Kirrie.

The Gateway to the Glens Museum in the town evokes the unique atmosphere of the town, known locally as Kirrie. It also intoduces you to the nearby five Angus Glens,which spread out like the fingers of a hand. My grandparents had a holiday chalet in Glen Prosen, next to the River Prosen. We were able to swim at some stretches where the water is deeper and used the cool water to refrigerate our drinks. One day when I was out walking with my aunts, we observed smoke as we descended the hill, by the time we reached the wooden chalet it had been razed to the ground. My younger brother was most upset, he was due to start primary school soon and his lovely new leather school bag, a gift from his grandparents. had been consumed by the fire.

At the south of Glen Prosen in Burn Cottage, where Captain Scott of Antartica planned his forthcoming expedition with Dr Wilson. JM Barrie and Captain Scott where friends. You can read a copy of the letter written to Barrie by Scott during the final days of the ill fated expedition at Barrie's Birthplace.

The turreted Airlie Monument is quite a landmark in the area, constructed to commemorate the death of 9th Earl of Airlie in the Boer War in 1900.

Brechin

It's easy just to drive past Brechin as you drive up the dual carriageway towards Aberdeen. Brechin Cathedral as one of the two remaining Irish style round towers, dating from the the late 11th century, remaining in Scotland. I've never seen a round tower in Scotland before and it's strange to see the newer traditional steeple alongside the tower.

The Auld Brig over the River Esk is one of the oldest stone bridges in Scotland.

Brechin Museum has exhibits such as 18th century bagpipes and a sporran thought to have been worn during the Battle of Culloden.

Edzell Castle and Gardens is located a few miles north west of Brechin. Much of the castle is ruined but the red sandstone is very beautiful. For me it's the garden is the main attraction. It was constructed in 1604, you can still see the coat of arms and the date above the entrance to the gardens. The garden walls are truly amazing the bas reliefs depicting virtues such as patience, constance and prudence as well as Roman Gods. The Summer House at one corner of the garden is still intact., this is where the family would retire after meals to eat sweetmeats at the round stone table.

Pictavia tells the story of the ancient Pictish tribes who lived in Angus 2000 years ago. It is set in a countryside park.

Day Trips

The county of Perthshire borders Angus to the west. The city of Dundee can be reached in under one hour.

Golf Putting Tips - 4 Tips for Mastering the Long Putt

Even if you've only been around golf for a short period of
time, I'm sure you've heard the phrase "drive for show and
putt for dough." It's become a golf cliche because of its
inherent truth. People love watching and hitting a long
drive but it's masterful putting that keeps your score low
and helps pro players win golf tournaments. So how do you
improve your putting and take strokes off your game?

Sure, it's fun to watch Tiger hit long bombs off the tee,
but it's Tiger's short game and putting prowess that keeps
him head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the
PGA Tour. If you've watched Tiger play awhile, you may
have noticed that he's not the most accurate driver off the
tee. But his putting more than makes up for it.

A lot of courses today don't make it too difficult to get
on the green in regulation. But if you do, you'll most likely
be facing quite a long putt, making it a challenge to two putt
many holes. And if you consistently three putt, you can forget
about ever posting a low score on the golf course.

So what golf putting tips can you use to leave that long putt
close enough to the hole to give you a good chance of two putting?

1) You'll need a longer putting stroke from 40 feet away compared
to a 5 or even 10 foot putt. In order to make this more natural,
take a wider stance when you address the ball.

2) Visualize the putt. See if you can estimate the actual time the
putt will take to reach the hole. Don't forget to visualize the
speed and putt line of the ball as well.

3) Take this visualization and translate it into your putt stroke.
Figure out how long a stroke you'll need to give the ball enough
speed to reach the hole.

4) While putts inside 10 feet are crucial to your golf game, make
sure to practice longer putts of 30 and 40 feet as well, every time
you practice putting.

Use these golf putting tips for long putts to help you put your long
putts closer to the hole on a more consistent basis. If you can do
this, you'll cut down on your three puts and shave strokes off of your
game. And you'll do it without improving any other aspect of your
golf game.

Where Can You Play Golf?

Where can you play golf? You may be surprised by just looking around you. Most likely, there is a sign showing the way to a close-by golf course. You may even see a golf course out of the corner of your eye. Here are some interesting places to check out.

A whole lot of golf courses

Just about every large city, medium-sized city and small town has one golf course. The course may be on the edge of town or in a less populated area, that is far enough away from the main streets that the golf players won't be disturbed by noise.

Many urban areas have more than one golf course

Spotting a convenient place to play probably will not be a problem. Entire organizations are determined to encourage public golf courses. These days, golf is not a country club game any more. People from all walks of life, even including women, are accepted as just typical players of the game, without the exclusiveness of class or gender restrictions of the past.

Does golf cost a lot of money?

Golf can cost you a lot less than you might think. You can start with a good used set of golf clubs by asking a few golf equipment stores about returned items, or you can check out the local second hand store in the sporting goods section.

In addition, you can play golf at close-by public courses, where golf is very affordable.

Then again, if your choose to become a member of a country club, and buy the most premium top rated golf clubs that you can find, your expenses will be quite different. If you are set on getting the best brand of clubs, you may want to check out the Internet for online deals.

What states in the U.S. have the most golf courses?

If you guessed California, Arizona and Florida you were right. These three states are famous for lush, green golf courses that attract many tourists.

There are 600 public golf courses in California alone, in addition to the private clubs spread all over the state. Arizona has several community living areas with a golf course that is the main draw for the residents. Florida golf courses have a major role in family vacations as an alternative for the adults from Disney World's entertainment. The U.S. is considered to have as many golf courses as the rest of the entire world combined.

What about golf vacations?

Golf vacations are easy to find. Actually the destination of many golf vacations use public courses that are some of the top rated golf courses. Actually, several of these same public courses are used for professional tournaments.

Wherever you decide to go, if you intend to fly, you might want to keep in mind the challenges of traveling with your golf clubs.

Golf Teaching Tools - Chipping Problems

The golf teaching tool is conventional way of chipping the golf ball. You could use a 5 iron, a 7 iron and a 9 iron to chip with. I like doing this, 5 for the long chip shots, 7 for the medium chip shots, and 9 for the short chip shots.

Let me tell you the method and how easy it is to use. If you have a small chip shot, use your 9 iron and put the ball in the middle of your stance, put a little weight on your left leg, and push the handle over to your left leg. From there, make an arm swing with a little chop of the club head.

Now, if your shot has to go to a little further, take a 7 iron. Don't change the golf swing; same golf swing, same method, but choose a golf club that will send the ball a little further.

Using this club will probably get the golf ball to go back up towards the pin. Again, ball in the middle of your stance, weight left, handle left, arm swing. And, it will go a little bit further.

Now, let's just say that you had to hit a golf shot where the ball had to go all the way to the back of the green. Now you're going to use a 5 iron. Here it is, ball in the middle of the stance, weight left and handle left; same golf swing, an arm swing with a chop. And that 5 iron will send the ball a lot further. That's a great golf teaching tool that should help you going forward.

Now, you may struggle with your short chip shots. And if the grass is mowed down, don't ever hesitate to putt the ball.

Do everything the same that you normally do when you putt a golf ball. The only challenge is, is that sometimes it comes out of the rough, bouncing a little bit, or when the fairway is mowed and it's not perfect like the putting green.

Now here's the last golf teaching tool for you. You may struggle with your conventional chip shots and you don't like to putt the golf ball. So, why don't you try this utility wood? This is the 3 iron. The difference is, is that it's built like a wood. So the bottom of it, the sole plate, is a little bit longer and it'll stop you from stubbing the golf ball.

So, here it is. Approach it just like a putt and grip it like a putter, stand to it like a putt, and stroke it like a putter. And if you do that, the golf ball will take off and head to the hole. And that's when you use a utility golf club.

I hope this gives you some insight into making your short game a little easier when you're in and around the fringe. Don't forget to putt, use a flat-faced club like a putter, try your 3 wood, try your 4 wood, and lastly, do the conventional way, and I guarantee you that will help you.

Copyright 2006 David Nevogt

What Makes it a Golf Course?

A golf course is just a golf course right? Not necessarily. Golf courses have been evolving since the 15th century. If you saw one during the 15th century in Scotland, you, like most people, probably would not even recognize it.

Golf courses began as open areas of open area that grew naturally in the country, outside the urban cities and villages. Interestingly, animal trails and fields beaten down by herds of large animals developed into what would be considered today's modern golf courses.

Here are several interesting facts that many people may not know about how golf courses and players.

1. The golf courses first played on.

At first, the golfers' most popular place to play was on flat, open terrain, where horses trod and humans walked and kept the long grass and plants from growing. Golf players struck their first golf balls beside animal footprints and aimed for rabbit holes as their goals.

2. Where did the idea of using sand and water as traps come from?

You may find the original sand traps and bunkers are still used on today's golf courses. Even so, many are improved by adding more sand and having the area landscaped. The sand bunkers that are in between the plush green golf courses of today, give golfers a challenge that has always been part of the game.

Sandy soil was common in the beginning, since the golf courses were close to the sea. As the tides rolled in, they shaped the lower regions and low ground, which may have led to the tradition of playing golf with traps and sand bunkers.

3. What is so special about having 18 holes on a golf course?

How the 18 hole standard was chosen has a long and detailed answer that could possibly fill up a whole book by itself. However, the straight-forward answer is that the initial golf courses had quite a variety of numbers of holes.

Golf courses all over Scotland or even further, may have had 10 holes, while others increased it to 14 or 22, depending on how much ground was available. The general theory is that a well known Scottish golf course might have been the very first to declare that 18 holes was the standard for all the rest of the courses to follow.

Over the centuries, golfers may have had different looking terrain to play on, but some things have never changed. Whether it is hitting the ball far across a grassy knoll, or waking up a rabbit with a hole in one putt, the passion for the game is the same.

Chicago Attractions - Navy Pier

Chicago is a tourist paradise. Anyone who has ever visited this city will tell you that. There are numerous attractions to go and visit such as the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field or the famous Shedd Aquarium. These places are great but there is one more destination that you should add to your list. This place is the Navy Pier. Keep reading and learn why this place is a must see.

Navy Pier was first built during World War I and it was originally a 3000 foot pier that was used as a Navy training center. Since then it has been transformed into a very popular tourist attraction. It is now a carnival, food court and a boat dock all rolled into one. One attraction on the pier is an area called Crystal Gardens. It is an interesting place complete with 70 palm trees, a glass enclosed atrium, dancing water fountains and several children's rides. Another attraction at the pier is an IMAX theater. If you have ever been to an IMAX theater you know what a great experience they are. With IMAX you feel like you are in the movie so if you have never experienced one you should check it out. This is not the end of the attractions though. They are almost too numerous to list and include the Chicago Children's Museum, an ice skating rink, a Shakespearean theater, a 15 story tall ferris wheel and many different restaurants and beer gardens. You can probably see why the Navy Pier is such a popular Chicago attraction. Make sure you check it out on your next visit.

If you would like to visit the Navy pier while in Chicago you can find it at 600 E. Grand Ave. The information line is 800-595-PIER. Call this number for current hours and special events before you go. Have fun.