2007-02-15 23:59:39 · 5 answers · asked by budgie 1 in Sports ➔ Golf
the word golf is first mentioned in writing in 1457 on a scottish statue on forbidded games as gouf, derived from the Scottish word goulfj(meaning to strike or cuff), which in turn may be related to the Dutch term kolf (meaning bat or club)...and yes that old 'gentlemen only ladies forbidden' thing is urban rumor, especially since acronyms are more recently recognized it is referred to as a backronym...
2007-02-17 02:18:18 · answer #1 · answered by doingitright44 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, "golf" is not an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden." If you've ever heard that, forget it immediately. Better yet, find the person who told you and let them know it's not true.
Like most modern words, the word "golf" derives from older languages and dialects. In this case, the languages in question are medieval Dutch and old Scots.
The medieval Dutch word "kolf" or "kolve" meant "club." It is believed that word passed to the Scots, whose old Scots dialect transformed the word into "golve," "gowl" or "gouf."
By the 16th Century, the word "golf" had emerged.
Sources: British Golf Museum, USGA Library
2007-02-16 08:08:35 · answer #2 · answered by sid_verma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was given the name 'Golf' because all the other four letter words were taken...
2007-02-16 08:02:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I heard it was from Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden, not sure if I believe it though.
2007-02-16 08:04:15 · answer #4 · answered by ♣ My Brainhurts ♣ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like the first one, some people call it cow pasture pool
2007-02-16 08:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Doug 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋