Golf Was Banned in Scotland

Believe it or not, golf was once banned in Scotland—the country where the sport originated.

1. The 1457 Ban by King James II

• In 1457, King James II of Scotland issued a ban on golf through an Act of Parliament.

• The reason? Golf was distracting Scottish soldiers from practicing archery, which was essential for national defense.

• The ban also included football (soccer) for the same reason.

2. Repeated Bans in the 15th Century

• The ban was reinforced in 1471 by King James III and again in 1491 by King James IV.

• Despite these laws, historical records suggest that people continued to play golf in secret.

3. The Ban Was Finally Lifted in 1502

• The sport was officially legalized when King James IV became a golfer himself.

• He purchased golf clubs and started playing, leading to the removal of the ban.

4. Golf Grew Rapidly After the Ban

• Once legalized, golf quickly spread across Scotland and beyond.

• St. Andrews, considered the "home of golf," became a major center for the sport.