August is National Golf Month. So, what better way to celebrate than with a little history on this interesting pastime? Some historians believe that the variations of the game can be traced as far back as the Roman Empire and the Ming Dynasty of China.  However, the common belief is that the game originated in Scotland in the 12th century when shepherds started hitting stones into rabbit holes at the now world-famous Old Course at St. Andrews.

The object of the game is simple: hit the ball in the hole with as few strokes as possible. Yet, this feat is easier said than done. All sorts of elements affect the play of the game. Be it weather, swinging inconsistencies, or the many hazards within each hole, no two games of golf are ever exactly the same. The Old Course at St. Andrews was one of the first golf courses, but since the advent of the sport many other courses have been developed. Typically, a course consists of 18 holes, and each hole is specifically designed to challenge the golfer. Sand bunkers, trees, shrubbery, bodies of water, the distance to the hole, and the elevation of the land all play significant roles in varying difficulty of each hole. 

The popularity of Golf is increasing around the world. China is opening golf courses across the country and Golf will even be an Olympic sport in the 2016 Summer Olympics. With annual tournaments for both men and women dating back to the 1860s, golf is certainly a sport rooted in tradition and excellence.