Early History of Golf Timeline in 3 Minutes

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Early History of Golf Timeline
96 BCE – 112 CE

Roman "Paganica": The Romans play a game called paganica, involving a curved stick and a stuffed leather ball. It is considered one of the precursors to modern golf.
13th Century

China – Song Dynasty: Records describe a game called chuiwan, which involves striking a ball into holes using sticks. This game may have influenced later golf-like games in Europe.
1297

The Netherlands – "Kolf": The Dutch play kolf, a game involving hitting a leather ball with a wooden club toward a target. This game may have been brought to Scotland by traders.
1457

Scotland – Golf Banned: The first written mention of golf appears in a Scottish parliament act under King James II. Golf is banned because it distracts soldiers from archery practice.
1502

King James IV of Scotland: Lifts the ban on golf and becomes the first known monarch to play the game, popularizing it further.
1552

St. Andrews Links: Golf is first recorded as being played at St. Andrews, now considered the "Home of Golf."
1567

Mary, Queen of Scots: Plays golf openly at St. Andrews, cementing its status among the aristocracy.
1603

James VI of Scotland and I of England: Brings golf to England upon ascending to the English throne, further spreading the game.
1682

First Recorded Golf Match: The Duke of York and John Patersone defeat two English noblemen at Leith Links in Scotland. This is one of the earliest documented golf matches.
1724

First Mention of Golf Rules: Articles about golf rules and etiquette appear in Scottish writings.
1744

Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers: The first official golf club is founded in Leith, Scotland. It writes the first formal rules of golf for a tournament.
1754

St. Andrews Society of Golfers: Formed in St. Andrews, Scotland. This society later becomes The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1834.
1764

Standardized Golf Course Layout: The Old Course at St. Andrews is reduced from 22 holes to 18, establishing the modern standard.
1810

First Ladies' Golf Competition: The first recorded women's golf competition is held at Musselburgh Links, Scotland.
1860

First Open Championship: Held at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, marking the beginning of modern professional golf tournaments.