Anyone know the history of Tee Time?

Although the origins of golf are undetermined and cannot be specifically proven, it is generally believed that the earliest recognition of the game dates back to medieval Scotland.

A spokesman for the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland claims that although many stick and ball games have been played throughout history, it is clear that golf, as we know it today, played over 18 holes, originated in Scotland.

Etymologically, “golf” is considered to be a derivation of the Scottish word, “gouf”, which is believed to be derived from the Dutch word “colf” or “colve”, meaning club, stick, or bat.

Although Scotland is the proud birthplace of the game, earliest recorded in Scotland in 1457, it was not always the most popular sport. A decree was issued by King James II of Scotland stating that golf was a distraction from archery practice for the military and should no longer be played. There was a type of superstition about the game, as it became known as an unprofitable sport and was banned again in 1471 and 1491. Even the Queen, Mary of Scots was forbidden to play after her husband was murdered in 1567.

King James VI of Scotland continued to play the sport once in a while, and when he did, he had the pleasure of playing on what is now considered to be the oldest golf course in the world, Musselburgh Links in Scotland.

During the late 19th century, with the railroad making its way to Scotland, golf was able to spread into Great Britain. When British Royalty built a castle in the Scottish Highlands, it opened up a fascination with Scottish history and culture. A new easily manufactured golf ball was even mass produced. In 1880 Britain had 12 golf courses and in 1914 it grew to 1,000. Golf courses as well as clubs were soon found around the world in places such as Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and Singapore.

The United States, however, already knew about the game as it was first recognized in 1779 in The Royal Gazette of New York City. A few years later, in 1796, it was also noticed in a Savannah Georgia magazine entitled, the Georgia Gazette, in an advertisement for golf balls and clubs. It was not until the late 19th century, as in Europe, that golf became particularly popular in America. There were many golf clubs through the United States at the time, and they were able to form what is now known as the United States Golf Association (USGA). The United States has established a reputation for being the most successful in the British Open, which as yet to be challenged.

Today, golf is played by people all over the world, male and female. In Rohnert Park, the Foxtail Golf  Resort will again be the site of the Rotary Clubs of Rohnert Park-Cotati and Rancho Cotati Annual Golf Tournament. Held on August 19, it promises to be a great fundraiser for a variety of local Rotary projects, including the Backpack Program, college scholarships and the Rohnert Park Senior Center. Registration is 11:30-1 and events include a 19 hole scramble, putting contest, an impressive auction and a gourmet dinner.

There is still room for more foursomes to enter the tournament. So gather up a few friends and spend a day on the green that benefits others in the community. For details, visit www.rotaryevents.org.