History of golf property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes. Due to the status of St Andrews as the golfing capital, all other courses followed suit and the 18 hole course remains the standard to the present day. The evolution of golf can be explained by the development of the equipment used to play the game. Some
Timeline of golf history (1851–1945) two golf holes. The course was incrementally expanded to nine holes by 1916. This club is the oldest existing U.S. golf club with continuous golf in the same location. 1885 The Amateur Championship is first played at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake. The London Metal Exchange Golf Association (LMEGA) is formed. The Royal Cape Golf Club is founded at Wynberg, South Africa, the first club in Africa. 1886 John Hamilton Gillespie lays out a two-hole golf course in Sarasota, Florida. A.J. Balfour is appointed Chief Secretary (Cabinet Minister) for Ireland; his rise to political and social prominence has an incalculable