The game of golf is played in many countries of the world. All the available evidence shows that it"s an ancient game dating back many centuries which, in addition to the considerable pleasure and recreation it has provided for millions of players over this time span, has mirrored the social changes of those connected with it. Although there were historical references in documents produced in earlier times it is only since about 1850, some 50 or so years after the game settled into its present structure and format, that literature specifically devoted to it has appeared.