10 Golf Facts to Impress Your Playing Partner
Golf is a sport that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a game that can be played solo or with friends, and it's a great way to get some exercise. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn about golf. Here are ten golf facts that you can use to impress your playing partner.
Women have been playing golf for centuries!
The first recorded game of golf played by women took place in 1811 in Musselburgh, Scotland.
Sinking putts next to Everest
It is widely known that golf is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. What many don't know, however, is that the highest operating golf course in the world is the Yak Course on an Indian Military base in the Himalayas, sitting at a whopping 3970m above sea level.
This unique course presents its players with a truly one-of-a-kind golfing experience, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. With snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys as far as the eye can see.
Balls of a feather
The first golf balls were made of feathers and leather. They were later replaced by wood. The modern golf ball was invented in 1848 by a British doctor named Robert Adams and was made of Gutta-percha, a natural rubber.
Freedom!
Who would have thought that golf, a game now enjoyed by millions worldwide, was once banned? That's right; golf was outlawed in Scotland for centuries because the government believed it interfered with military training. Specifically, golf was seen as a threat to archery practice, which was essential for warfare at the time.
One small birdie for mankind
Did you know that golf was one of the only sports played on the moon? It's true! Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. used a 6-iron to play golf on the moon.
A pair of aces
Three professional golfers have achieved the extraordinary feat of sinking two holes in one during a single round. Bill Whedon, Yusaku Miyazato, and Brian Harman all accomplished this incredible task, with odds of 67 million to 1. While sinking two holes in one is an amazing feat under any circumstances, it is even more remarkable when you consider that professional golfers only hit an average of one hole in one for every 3,000 holes played. Whedon, Miyazato, and Harman have truly set themselves apart as some of the best golfers on the day.
Close but no cigar
The vast majority of golfers will not play to a handicap under 18; Australia's Jack Newton played to a 12 Handicap with one arm! Of course, it's an amazing accomplishment for any golfer to get their handicap down into single digits. But when you consider that Jack Newton almost did it with just one arm, it's even more incredible.
Your balls are dense in the winter chill
You may wonder whether your golf game will improve as the weather gets warmer. After all, warm weather means more opportunities to practice and play. But does it also mean that your golf ball will travel further?
The answer is yes! A golf ball is more likely to travel further during the summer than winter. This is because the warmer temperatures cause the air to be less dense, which means the ball will have less resistance as it flies through the air.
Eyes on the ball!
When it comes to unique golf experiences, France definitely takes the cake. The country is home to several interesting courses, including one that was once open exclusively to naked players. As a result, the course quickly became a popular destination for naturists. However, due to a number of complaints from locals, the course was forced to close its doors for a time.
A league above the rest
As most golfers know, the PGA Tour is the professional men's golf circuit in the United States and is considered to be one of the most arduous tours to compete on. What many people don't know, however, is that only six women have ever played in a PGA Tour event. And of those six, only one has made the cut.
That woman is Babe Zaharias, one of the co-founders of the LGPA. Zaharias was a trailblazer in the world of women's golf and helped pave the way for the success of female golfers today. She was the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event, whilst also being a gold medal olympian!
We hope you've enjoyed reading these ten golf facts and that they've given you something to think about the next time you're out on the course. Whether you're trying to impress your playing partner or simply want to learn more about this great game, we hope these facts have helped. Thanks for reading!
