Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
4. Do the following:
a. Tell about the early history of golf.
b. Describe its early years in the United States.
c. Tell about the accomplishments of a top golfer of your
choice.
5. Discuss with your counselor vocational opportunities related to
golf.
6. Do the following:
a. Tell how golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, mentally
and physically.
b. Tell how a golf exercise plan can help you play better.
Show two exercises that would improve your game.
Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
History
In general, the Scots are credited with introducing one thing that distinguishes golf the hole.
By the 1400’s, golf was so popular that King James II banned it as it kept people from
archery practice. However, the ban was largely ignored and by 1502, James IV lifted
the ban and started playing himself.
The first golf clubs were formed in Scotland in the mid 1700. The first set of written
rules were developed by Gentlemen Golfers of Leith (1744). The St. Andrews Society
of Golfers was formed in 1754, and in 1834 became the now famous Royal and
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The R&A formalized the rules and 18 holes became
the standard.
From the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s, the industrial revolution caused golf’s
popularity to drop due to long workdays and workweeks. The equipment was
expensive and beyond the reach of most people. In the mid-1800s, the introduction
of metal blade clubs and gutta-percha golf balls made golf equipment
affordable and golf’s popularity revived.
Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
History
In 1860, the first British national championship was played at the Prestwick Golf Club.
This was the precursor to the Open Championship (often called “The British Open”).
Golf also becomes popular in the United States. By 1900, there were over 1000 golf clubs
In the United States. One major difference between the US and Great Britain was that US
courses were landscaped like parks with trees. In Britain, the courses look more areas
along the British shore. These courses, called “links”, feature areas of long grass and
undergrowth. In 1894, the United States Golf Association was formed. The USGA is
the current ruling body for golf in the US and Mexico.
Until the late 1800s, professional golfers earned money by giving lessons, caddying,
making clubs and by betting on games they played. Eventually, tournaments began to
offer prize money. In 1916, the Professional Golfers Association was formed. The PGA
now sponsors tournaments where professional golfers can compete for prize money.
PGA members also teach golf and run golf courses. In 1951, the Ladies Profession
Golfers Association was formed.
Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN GOLF
Touring Professional – This is what most people think of when they think of a golf pro.
These professional go from place to place, playing in tournaments for money.
Club Pro – These are PGA professionals who run golf courses.
Golf Instructor – These pros spend almost all of their time giving lessons.
Course Architect – These are the people who design the layout of the courses.
Greens’ Keeper – The greens’ keeper is the head maintenance person at the course.
Club Maker – This is a person who makes custom golf clubs.
Club/Ball Designer – This is an engineer who designs the clubs and golf balls. They also
design the manufacturing processes.
Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
Pre-game Stretches
Down-ups
Grab club towards each end
Feet shoulder width apart
Bring club over head then down to feet then
back up over head again
Repeat movement for one minute
Waist Rotations
Spread feet apart just past shoulder width
and rotate upper body
Keep lower body motionless
Repeat movement for 1 minute
Arm Circles
Raise arms out to side
Begin moving arms in a circular motion
Alternate speed direction
Do this for 2 minutes
Side Bends
Grab club towards each end
Feet shoulder width apart
Hold club over your head
Lean body to each side repeatedly
holding for brief moment on each side
Repeat movement for 1 minute
Leg Stretch
Spread legs a considerable distance past
shoulder width. Lean to each side slowly
with hands placed on each knee for
balance and support
Repeat motion for 1 minute
Swing Stretches
Make a few slow ¾ swings
Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
Lunge With a Twist to
Increase Golf Swing Speed
Step 1: Assume a standing position with
your arms straight and hanging down in
front of you, holding your medicine ball
or dumbbell.
Step 2: As you step forward with one
leg, rotate your upper body to that same
side, holding the medball or dumbbell
chest high the whole time.
Step 3: Return to starting position and
do the opposite leg.
Step 4: Repeat each side 10 times for 3
sets.
Golf Merit Badge – Session 2
Golf can be beneficial physically, especially if you walk the golf course. Golfers
should develop their cardiovascular system by walking, jogging, climbing stairs
or cycling.
It can be beneficial mentally, because golf requires competitors to learn
how to handle pressure and control emotions, eliminate or control negative
Thoughts and think positively, visualize shots and trust yourself and your abilities.
Many successful golfers visit with sports psychologists for a mental tune-up, as well
as, a golf instructor for a swing tune-up prior to playing tournaments.
Improving your mental and physical fitness will positively effect your overall
quality of life.