This Obscure Ban on Golf in Scotland in 1457
Golf is one of the favorite pastimes for many people worldwide – particularly the affluent. So it would seem strange that this game played amongst politicians and businessmen would have been banned by a King. “TIL that in 1457 golf was banned in Scotland by King James II, because he felt that young men were playing too much golf instead of practicing archery. It remained banned until 1502 when James IV became a golfer.” – Obscure Fact by jcd1974
The origins of golf, famously, began in Scotland. Golf originated from a game played on the eastern coast of Scotland, in an area close to the royal capital of Edinburgh. While the exact inventor is debated, historians confirm that ball and stick games were recorded in the 13th century. The game of golf officially became a sport when the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith formed the first club in 1744 and set up an annual competition with silverware prizes. But before that, King James II was concerned about young men thwarting their civic duties. Therefore, it was banned in 1457. It was not allowed again until 1502.