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The history of golf traditions

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Golf is like a lot of sports in that it has a lot of traditions that can seem quite odd to the outside world. But, most of these traditions have a grounding in history and when you learn where they came from, and the reasons for their existence, they make a little more sense. From terms like mulligan and dormie to the use of caddies and the buying of rounds of drinks after sinking a hole in one, it pays to have some idea of their origins or uses.

Betting

It isn’t uncommon for players to have a friendly wager when stepping out on the course. And, commercial betting on the sport also continues to increase. It is popular around the world, with major events taking place in the US, Europe, and Australia.   

A betting sites not on GamStop in the UK, players can bet on a wide range of sports, from golf to rugby.Punters can also use offshore platforms to enjoy in-play betting for golf tournaments, meaning they can place wagers as competitions and games are being played out in real time. 

18 Holes

The first golf events were held in Scotland when courses were only made up of 5 or 7 holes. One early exception was St Andrews. There were ten holes at St Andrews and players would play ten of the holes giving a round consisting of 22.

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In 1764, the course combined four short holes to create two. Players still repeated ten holes, though, which gave a round of 18 holes. Other courses soon followed suit, leading to the 18-hole golf courses we are used to today.

Golf fans from all over the world visit Scotland every year to play on this legendary course, which helps to contribute to the country’s lucrative golf tourism sector. International tour operators alone bring in 50,000 golfers to the country every year. 

The 19th Hole

Another long-standing golfing tradition is for players to enjoy a drink or two after a round. It isn’t clear exactly when this started, but one of the oldest known clubhouses still being used today is the Golf Tavern at Bruntsfield Links in Scotland. It opened and has been used as a 19th hole since 1852. The pub even supplies clubs to keen players who want to play a round.

Drinks Are On You

Nobody knows when this tradition started, but it can lead to a bitter-sweet celebration for some players as players who manage to sink a hole in one are expected, according to tradition, to buy a round of drinks in the clubhouse. Some believe that the tradition started in order to prevent false claims of holes in one. Who would falsely claim to have scored an Ace if they then had to buy a round of 20 whiskies?

Fore

It is likely that the use of the word “fore” originates from the days of having forecaddies. Forecaddies would walk the course ahead of the player, looking for lost balls and identifying their placement. As such, the forecaddie was at risk of being hit by the next player’s shot.

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Today, the shout of “fore” is used whenever a player hits a stray ball that risks hitting another player or spectator on the course, to avoid potential injury. 

Caddies

When it comes to caddies, the first recorded use was way back in the 17th Century. The future King James VII of Scotland had somebody carry his clubs and find his balls on the course, rather than doing it himself, during the first international golf contest.

The advent of electric golf carts and other technologies means caddies are less popular now, but professional golfers still use them, and caddies typically earn a share of the prize money the player takes home.

Removing The Hat

At the end of a round of golf, it is customary for the players to shake hands. Before doing so, they should remove their hats. The practice of removing hats stems far beyond golf, however, and is considered a sign of politeness or sportsmanship.

Today, some players choose to tip their caps rather than shake hands, and the fist bump has also become more acceptable on the course. Regardless of the method, this show of sportsmanship is considered important and is expected from all players.

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Gimmie

The gimmie is commonly used terminology and is most often experienced in casual golf between friends, although not in proper competition. Generally, a gimmie is offered by other players, and it is down to their discretion as to the distance and regularity that they are offered, but a gimmie is usually only given when the shot lands a foot or two short. It is considered good etiquette to accept a gimmie when it is given.

Dormie

Dormie stems from the Latin word “dormir”, which means to sleep. A player is said to be dormie when they are ahead by as many shots as holes are remaining. So, if you are 6 up with 6 to play, you are dormie. It refers to the fact that the dormie player is in a position where they can relax and not stress about their play as much.

However, players have gone on to lose after being dormie, so you should definitely avoid sleeping.

Mulligan

Many clubs and people lay claim to being or knowing the origin of the term mulligan: a word that is used when a player retakes their first shot because they hit a disappointing or wayward drive. Most of the claims centre on one man – David Mulligan, who was a hotelier who played at the St. Lambert CC in Montreal.

Depending on the story you believe, the term came from a single impetuous choice to retake a shot, the fact he was allowed a second attempt because of being shaky from the drive to the course, or because he rushed to the course after waking up late one day and was allowed to take his first shot, that he skewed due to tiredness. The term breakfast ball is also used in the U.S. for a similar retaken shot.

The Dress Code

The dress code that is in place at most courses and during most tournaments dates back to the first games of golf played. Players were expected to wear collared shirts, trousers, and golf shoes as a market of respect for the sport while also ensuring that players looked the part while on the course.

Spotted something? Got a story? Email our newsdesk news@gedlingeye.co.uk

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