Endless, green golf courses hypnotize with calm and relaxing atmosphere. Let us not be deceived by appearances. Golf enthusiasts know that this sport is also full of energy and extreme emotions.

Although nowadays golf is associated with elites, historians assume that that this sport was invented by …shepherds. They wanted to entertain themselves when grazing animals and attempted to hit round pebbles into hare’s den with the help of shepherd’s crook. Different version of the game and its rules were present in other parts of Europe. First references date back to 1297 to Holland. The word “golf” probably comes from Dutch “kolf” which means “stick”.Scotland is considered the capital of the discipline. Golf developed here since 15th century in the form that is similar to the game played nowadays. The citizens of St. Andrews are considered the pioneers of golf. They used seaside dunes as golf fields, their natural, untouched by human civilization shape is used today as the role model of planning new investments.

None of the golf enthusiasts has to be convinced that golf can be extremely engaging. At the beginning of its existence, golf was a thread to the nation’s defense! In 1457 King James II banned golf for fear that young people stop practicing archery. At the time of war with England, Scotland needed warriors, not golfers. After 50 years of peaceful atmosphere, king James IV made a happy decision; in 1502 his subjects could come back on the green! King’s grandson, James VI was so crazy about golf that he visited golf to play golf match in London. This is exactly how the first golf field in London was built (now it’s called Royal Blackheath). However, it’s not the oldest golf field, Old Links Musselburgh Racecourse is the oldest facility of this type.

Golf became extremely popular in other continents. It gradually gained more and more passionate fans, however Scotland was the place where golf was the most appreciated. Incredible popularity of golf in 19th century contributed to the opening of official golf clubs in Mumbai, Canada, New Zealand or Africa. Golf was also fashionable in Poland. The oldest golf club in Poland was opened in 1906 in Szczawna Zdrój (Bad Sazbrunn at that time). At the beginning of war, there were four golf fields in Katowice, Powsin, Łańcut and Gdańsk. War, occupation, and other political reasons removed this discipline from Polish tradition and awareness. Game of golf was considered a manifestation of capitalism and aristocratic entertainment that had to be eradicated from Polish culture. The peak of popularity of golf in Poland dates back to the 90s. In 1992 first Polish golf tournament took place, it became the beginning of popularity of golf game in Poland.

Rumor has it that the word “golf” is an abbreviation of a phrase: Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden. This completely untrue information would divert all women who are enthusiasts of golf. Mary I Stuart was the pioneer of female golf. First women’s golf tournament was mentioned in notes from 1810, first amateur golf championship for women took place in 1893. However, this discipline wasn’t professional yet. Helen Hicks was the first professional golf player, she practiced this sport in 30s, 20th century. Many women followed her example and at the beginning of 50s they could join Ladies Professional Golf Association. In 2005 Polish female golfers for the first time took part in Golf Championship in Poland. Golf is equally popular among men and women. Dr Irena Eris Ladies’ Golf Cup organized since 2007 is the most exceptional golf contest for women. Its 12th edition is going to take place on July 11th. The Cup is the greatest event of this type in Poland. Ladies from all over the world compete surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Masuria landscapes. What makes the tournament so exceptional? It’s the harmony between sport rivalry, feminine strength and the relax after the struggle on the green. S’portofino has been the sponsor of this event for 11 years!

The number of official golfers in The USA exceeds the population in Poland. The sport is practiced by 150 million of people around the world. There are more golfers than footballers or tennis players. In Poland golf isn’t a traditional pastime, it’s still developing and becoming more and more popular. Golf is a discipline that shapes characters, forms friendships, teaches discipline and patience, enriches, and helps in pursuing a great passion. How about a golf game on the green?