Believe it or not, golf was once banned in Scotland—the country where the sport originated.
1. The 1457 Ban by King James II
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In 1457, King James II of Scotland issued a ban on golf through an Act of Parliament.
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The reason? Golf was distracting Scottish soldiers from practicing archery, which was essential for national defense.
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The ban also included football (soccer) for the same reason.
2. Repeated Bans in the 15th Century
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The ban was reinforced in 1471 by King James III and again in 1491 by King James IV.
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Despite these laws, historical records suggest that people continued to play golf in secret.
3. The Ban Was Finally Lifted in 1502
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The sport was officially legalized when King James IV became a golfer himself.
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He purchased golf clubs and started playing, leading to the removal of the ban.
4. Golf Grew Rapidly After the Ban
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Once legalized, golf quickly spread across Scotland and beyond.
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St. Andrews, considered the "home of golf," became a major center for the sport.