Few sports can have their origins as keenly contested as those of golf.

Various scholars from around the world claim that golf's history originated in, depending on who you listen to; Scotland, China, Egypt, Holland, or other parts of Europe.

However, it is generally considered that Scotland is the true home of golf, as it is there that the first golf course was created and the first rules of modern golf laid down.

Some suggest that the History of golf can be tracked back to the 12th century when Scottish shepherds competed in using sticks to knock stones down rabbit holes.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews was the scene of games from as early as the 15th century, although it was in 1764 that it was decided that some of the 22 holes played during a round were too short and easy, and the modern 18-hole golf course (the standard length anywhere in the world) was created.

In 1457 the Scottish parliament of King James II saw fit to ban golf and football as the enjoyment of both sports was leading to neglect of military training and it wasn't until 1502 that the ban was lifted when James IV became a keen player.

Since then, many members of the British Royal Family have enjoyed golf and it is believed that Mary, Queen of Scots, first introduced the sport to France.

Golf was dominated by Scottish and then English competitors until the First World War, but the sport enjoyed dramatic growth and popularity in North America and Continental Europe from that point and is now a truly worldwide sport with over 30,000 recognised courses around the globe.