GOLF, or GOFF, a pastime almost peculiar to Scotland, derives its name from the club (Ger. Kolbe ; Dutch, Rolf) with which it is played. It is uncertain when it was introduced into Scotland, but it appears to have been practiced by al] classes to a con siderable extent in the reign of king James I. Charles I. was much attached to the game, and on his visit to Scotland in 1641, was engaged in it on Leith Links when inti mation was given him of the rebellion in Ireland, whereupon he threw down his club, and returned in great agitation to Hob-rood house. The duke of York, afterwards James II., also delighted in the game; and prince Leopold, who not unfrequently plays, was elected captain of the St. Andrews royal club in 1876.
Until late years, golf was entirely confined to Scotland, where it still maintains its celebrity as a national recreation; but latterly it has been establikhed south of the Tweed„ as well as in many of the British colonies. It is played on what are called in Scotland links (Eng. downs), that is, tracts of sandy soil covered with short grass, which occur frequently along the east coast of Scotland. St. Andrews and Leven in Fife, Prestwick in Ayrshire, Musselburgh in Mid Lothian, North Berwick and Gullane in East Lothian, Carnoustie and Montrose in Forfarshire, and Aberdeen, are examples of admirably suited links, as the ground is diversified by knolls, sand-pits, and other hazards (as they are termed in golfing phraseology), the avoiding of which is one of the most important points of the game.
A series of small round holes, about four inches in diameter, and several inches in depth, are cut in the turf, at distances of from one to four or five hundred yards from each other, according to the nature of the ground, so as to form a circuit or round. The rival players are either two in number, which is the simplest arrangement, or four (two aoainst two), in which case the two partners strike the ball on their side alternately. I he balls, weighing about two ounces, are made of gutta-percha, and painted white so as to be readily seen.
An ordinary golf-club consists of two parts spliced together—namely, the shaft and head, the shaft is usually made of hickory, or lance-wood; the handle covered with leather; the head (heavily weighted with lead behind, and faced with horn) of well-sea soned apple-tree or beach. Every player has a set of clubs, differing in length and shape to suit the distance to be driven, and the position of time ball; for (except in striking off from a hole, when the ball may be e., placed advantageously on a little heap of sand, called a tee) it is a rule that the ball must be struck as it happens to lie. Some
positions of the ball require a club with an iron head. The usual cotnplem cut of clubs is six; but those who refine on the gradation of implements use as many as ten, which are technically distinguished as the play-club, long-spoon, mid-spoon, short-spoon, baffing spoon, dricing-putter, putter, sand-iron, sleek, and niblick or track-iron—the last three have iron heads, the others arc of wood. Every player is usually provided with an attendant, called a caddy, who carries his clubs and " tees" his balls.
The object of the game is, starting from the first hole, to drive the ball into the next hole with as few strokes as possible; and so on round the course. The player (or pair of players) whose ball is holed in the fewest strokes has gained that hole; and the match 14 usually decided by the greatest number of holes gained in one or more rounds; some times it is made to depend on the aggregate number of strokes taken to "hole" one or more rounds.
To play the game of golf well requires long practice, and very few attain to great excellence who have not played from their youth. But any one may in a year or two learn to play tolerably, so as to take great pleasure in the game; and for all who have once entered upon it, it possesses no ordinary fascination. It has this advantage over many other outdoor games, that it is suited both for old and young. Time strong and energetic find scope for their energy in driving long balls (erack-players will drive a ball above 200 yards); but the more important points of the game—an exact eye, a steady and measured stroke for the short distances, and skill in avoiding hazards—are called forth in all eases. Alons with tho muscular exercise required bythe actual play, there is a mixture of walking which particularly suits those whose pursuits are sedentary —walking, too, on a breezy common, and under circumstances which make it far more beneficial than an ordinary " constitutional." Golf associations are numerous in Scotland, and in many instances the members wear a uniform when playing. Many professional players make their livelihood by golf, and are always ready to instruct beginners in the art, or to play matches with amateurs. The rules laid down by the St. Andrews royal and ancient union club are those that govern nearly all the other associations, and may be found in Chambers's Information for the People, No. 94. See also Golf, a Royal and Ancient Game, by R. M. Clark (Edin. 1876).