1353
The first recorded reference to chole, the probable antecedent of golf. It is a derivative of hockey played in Flanders (Belgium).
1421
A Scottish regiment aiding the French against the English at the Siege of Bauge is introduced to the game of chole. Hugh Kennedy, Robert Stewart and John Smale, three of the identified players, are credited with introducing the game in Scotland.
1457
Golf, along with football, is banned by the Scots Parliament of James II because it has interfered with military training for the wars against the English.
1470
The ban on golf is reaffirmed by the Parliament of James III.
1491
The golf ban is affirmed again by Parliament, this time under King James IV.
1502
With the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow between England and Scotland, the ban on golf is lifted.
James IV makes the first recorded purchase of golf equipment, a set of clubs from a bow-maker in Perth, Scotland.
1513
Queen Catherine of England, in a letter to Cardinal Wolsey, refers to the growing popularity of golf in England.
1527
The first commoner recorded as a golfer is Sir Robert Maule, described as playing on Barry Links (near the modern-day Carnoustie).
1552
The first recorded evidence of golf at St. Andrews.
1553
The Archbishop of St. Andrews issues a decree giving the local populace the right to play golf on the links at St. Andrews.
1567
Mary, Queen of Scots, seen playing golf shortly after the death of her husband Lord Darnley, is the first known female golfer.
1589
Golf is banned in the Blackfriars Yard, Glasgow. This is the earliest reference to golf in the west of Scotland.
1592
The City of Edinburgh bans golfing at Leith on 1592 (continued)
Sunday “in tyme of sermonis.”
1618
Invention of the feathery ball.
1618
King James VI and I confirms the right of the populace to play golf on Sundays.
1621
First recorded reference to golf on the links of Dornoch (later Royal Dornoch), in the far north of Scotland.
1641
Charles II is playing golf at Leith when he learns of the Irish rebellion, marking the beginning of the English Civil War. He finishes his round.
1642
John Dickson receives a license as ball-maker for Aberdeen, Scotland.
1659
Golf is banned from the streets of Albany, New York-the first reference to golf in America.
1682
In the first recorded international golf match, the Duke of York and John Paterstone of Scotland defeat two English noblemen in a match played on the links of Leith.
Andrew Dickson, carrying clubs for the Duke of York, is the first recorded caddy.
1687
A book by Thomas Kincaid, “Thoughts on Golve,” contains the first references on how golf clubs are made.
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