Changes

In Scotland, where many people believe the modern game of golf originated, records from the 15th century suggest a game of golf existed. Early records indicate the Scottish king tried to ban the game of golf, as it distracted his soldiers from other pursuits such as archery that were needed for military discipline. In fact, several bans seem to have been initiated as the sport was seen as something that made people less moral or it was "unprofitable." King James IV soon, however, began to enjoy the game of golf and with royal sponsorship the game began to spread in popularity in Scotland by the 15th and early 16th centuries. The first clear record of the use of balls and clubs are from 1503 that state that the king use a set of golf clubs and balls to play. Throughout the 16th century more accounts indicate the game was popular, where prohibitions include not playing golf on the Sabbath, although the game by now was more accepted by the establishment. In fact, royalty such as Mary Queen of Scots are recorded as playing golf. During this time the game of golf likely had developed 18 holes. In the 17th century, the oldest continuously used golf links came into existence. The Musselburgh Links are recorded to have been used for golf in 1672, making it the oldest known continuously used golf course in the world. It is even possible that golf was played here in the 16th century; however, those accounts are not substantiated.