Golf is a centuries-old sport played by millions of people around the world. While many people are familiar with the basic concept of golf, we’ll tell you some interesting facts you may not have known.
1.The longest drive stroke in golf history at 515 yards (470 m) was made by Anglo-American golf professional and kinesiology expert Michael Hawk Austin. Participating in the U.S. National Seniors Tournament in 1974, Hawk sent the ball an incredible 515 yards. PGA champion Chandler Harper, one of the tournament participants who walked in the same flute as Hoke, said: “It’s impossible, but the ball is there!”
2.The first 18-hole course appeared on a sheep farm.
The first American 18-hole golf course was built on a sheep farm in Downer’s Grove, Illinois in 1892. Businessman and amateur golfer Charles Blair McDonald moved to this quaint town and began building a golf course with his colleagues. The Downer’s Grove Golf Course still exists, although the course has been reduced to 9 holes.
3.The first golf balls were made of wood.
The first golf balls were made from hardwoods: oak or boxwood. These balls appeared in the 14th century and were played with them until the 17th century. However, the typical wooden ball could not be played for long, so they often had to be replaced.
4.Golf balls were also made of leather and filled with feathers.
The balls consisted of a leather bag filled with chicken or goose feathers. However, because of the enormous expenditure of resources and energy to create such balls, one “feather ball” cost the modern equivalent of $10 to $20.
5.Golf was even played on the moon.
On February 6, 1967, Alan Bartlett “Al” Shepard, Jr. made a one-handed shot with his sixth iron (golf club), sending the ball flying far and wide into the lunar atmosphere with its weak gravity. And in case you were wondering: javelin throwing is the second most “popular” sport on the Moon.
6.Golf is a good workout!
Playing golf effectively burns calories and grows muscle mass. According to ShapeFit.com, a health and fitness portal, the average 190 lb. (86 kg) golfer will burn 431 calories per hour if he/she walks the course without using a golf cart.
7.The construction of new golf courses in China is prohibited.
A few years ago, the Chinese government imposed a ban on the construction of new golf courses. This, however, has not stopped cities and local governments from building them. To get around the ban, developers try to avoid mentioning the fact that they are building golf courses in proposed plans.
