Golf has been called the greatest of all games, but it has also been
derided by none other than Mark Twain as nothing more than a good walk
spoiled. Traditional teaching holds that golf originated in Scotland
around the 15th century. However, there is historical evidence of games
similar to golf being played in the low countries of Europe back in the
13th century. Over the many centuries of golf's evolution, the balls
used have changed greatly, as have the clubs, the holes, the courses,
and the entire game itself. The Historical Dictionary of Golf presents a
comprehensive history of the game through a chronology, an introductory
essay, a bibliography, photos, and over 300 cross-referenced dictionary
entries on places, teams, terminology, and people, including Arnold
Palmer, Greg Norman, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sörenstam,
Lorena Ochoa, Phil Mickelson, and, of course, Tiger Woods. Appendixes of
the members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the Major Championships of
Golf, the International Team Events, and the Professional Tour Awards
are also included.