1354 - The first recorded reference to “chole”, the probable antecedent to golf.
1452 - King James II of Scotland bans the playing of the game, along with soccer, because it is keeping his subjects from archery practice.
1502 - With the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow between England and Scotland, the ban on golf is lifted.
1552 - First recorded evidence of golf at St. Andrews. Considered by most the “Cradle of Golf.”
1567 - Mary, Queen of Scots is the first known female golfer.
1659 - Golf is banned from the streets of Albany, N.Y. the first reference to golf in America.
1744 - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is formed, playing at Leith Links. It is the first golf club.
1754 - The first codified Rules of Golf published by St. Andrews Golfers.
1759 - Earliest reference to stroke play at St. Andrews. Previously all play was match.
1768 - The Golf House at Leith is erected. It is the first golf clubhouse.
1786 - The South Carolina Golf Club is formed in Charleston, the first golf club outside of the United Kingdom.
