Where Was The First U. S. Golf Course?

The answer to the question of where the first U.S. golf course was located is not so easily answered. Several areas of the United States have an unofficial claim to having the first U.S. golf course.

For instance, some golf historians place the first golf course and club in the United States in South Carolina. There is also a reference to playing golf in the government records near Albany, New York in 1659. Both have valid arguments, it is only the definition of just playing golf, or having a formal golf course built that may be in debate.

Another issue is, where was the first 18-hole course in the U. S. built? Officially, the first 18-hole golf course was constructed near Chicago in 1893. This was a very popular golf course to the residents of Chicago and those that lived close to the city.

Yet, history also shows that the first permanent club in North America was in Canada. Even if a golf course was well known, what course endured is also a valid factor when considering what golf course was worthwhile enough historically, to be counted as "the first golf course".

By some counts, the United States now has as many golf courses as the rest of the world combined. This would include all the states, including the state of Hawaii.

Who gets to say what a golf course is or should be?

As for the rules of golf, two organizations make most of the decisions about golf courses and how they are to be laid out for competition. The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club) governs golf around the world, except for the U. S. and Mexico, where the USGA (United States Golf Association) holds the key.

How big should a golf course be?

In reality, a golf course could be almost any size, because golf, unlike many other sports, does not have a strictly defined court or playing field. The R&A, USGA and golf course builders try to make the sport challenging yet enjoyable, so a course that is too long or too short is usually not acceptable. Natural terrain has a lot to do with the length and difficulty of a course.

As new earth moving technology persists, an increasing number of golf courses are being built in the United States. With so many to choose from, any golf course that can claim to have the coveted title of the first golf course in the U.S. certainly has a distinct advantage .

Tom Straub is a successful author and webmaster of the Best Golf Tips website featuring hundreds of golf tips on clubs, training, and much more.