Overview

There are numerous myths and misconceptions entrenched in the popular history of golf. Neil Millar challenges these myths and revisits the evidence surrounding the sport's early history. He shows how the game blossomed in Scotland in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and describes the role of Scottish golfers in its spread to other countries between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. And he examines the relative antiquity of golf compared with that of other early stick-and-ball games a topic that has been debated extensively. Golf historians frequently retell anecdotes concerning historical figures such as King James II of Scotland (1430-1460), Queen Catherine of Aragon (1484-1536), Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587), King Charles I (1600-1649) and James, Duke of York (1633-1701). This book re-examines the evidence underpinning such anecdotes to provide a definitive account of early golf history.

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9781399503815

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Reviews

A ground-breaking book that transforms our understanding of the early history of golf.--Peter N. Lewis, author of 'Why Are There Eighteen Holes?' An academic treatise of the finest order [...] the quality and depth of the analysis is simply superb. This book is already being seen as a classic of its kind.--Andrew Picken ""Golfshake"" This in-depth research draw[s] upon numerous examples where historical evidence provides the reader with the information to make their own broader assessment of the facts. While hoping to draw a line to conclude the debate, Neil Millar actually provides additional thoughts to develop the conversation.--David K.C. Wright, Heritage and Support Executive, PGA Early Golf should be viewed as the new standard reference book on early golf history and should be 'an essential' in any golf historian's library.--Michael Morrison, Through the Green Debunking long held myths, Professor Millar's book re-defines the history of the early game. Never before has one book had such a seismic impact on our knowledge of that era. Simply put, a ground breaking, entertaining, instant classic.--Roger McStravick, editor of Through the Green Much of golf history has been sustained for too long by bad historical writing and outright myths copied unchallenged from book to book with scant regard to seeking original sources. Professor Millar has used an evidence-based approach to the early days of the sport, and with diligent detective work has sifted and sorted this evidence with great skill. As a result there are many insights and importantly a new, reliable framework to move forward with our understanding of this important game.--David Hamilton, author of Golf: Scotland's Game Professor Millar's groundbreaking book makes sense of the available facts with an almost forensic analysis and a clear passion for the game . He cuts through the deep rough of misunderstanding and clears the fairway ahead for us to see clearly how and why we are here, now, enjoying the Greatest Game in the world. This is an essential read for everyone not just historians and collectors. Handicap players, elite players, my fellow professionals around the world please enjoy learning through professor Millar's wisdom and research as to why our lives have been so enriched by this beautiful game of Golf.--Mark Roe, Sky TV Golf Presenter

"A ground-breaking book that transforms our understanding of the early history of golf.--Peter N. Lewis, author of 'Why Are There Eighteen Holes?' An academic treatise of the finest order [...] the quality and depth of the analysis is simply superb. This book is already being seen as a classic of its kind.--Andrew Picken ""Golfshake"" This in-depth research draw[s] upon numerous examples where historical evidence provides the reader with the information to make their own broader assessment of the facts. While hoping to draw a line to conclude the debate, Neil Millar actually provides additional thoughts to develop the conversation.--David K.C. Wright, Heritage and Support Executive, PGA Early Golf should be viewed as the new standard reference book on early golf history and should be 'an essential' in any golf historian's library.--Michael Morrison, Through the Green Debunking long held myths, Professor Millar's book re-defines the history of the early game. Never before has one book had such a seismic impact on our knowledge of that era. Simply put, a ground breaking, entertaining, instant classic.--Roger McStravick, editor of Through the Green Much of golf history has been sustained for too long by bad historical writing and outright myths copied unchallenged from book to book with scant regard to seeking original sources. Professor Millar has used an evidence-based approach to the early days of the sport, and with diligent detective work has sifted and sorted this evidence with great skill. As a result there are many insights and importantly a new, reliable framework to move forward with our understanding of this important game.--David Hamilton, author of Golf: Scotland's Game Professor Millar's groundbreaking book makes sense of the available facts with an almost forensic analysis and a clear passion for the game . He cuts through the deep rough of misunderstanding and clears the fairway ahead for us to see clearly how and why we are here, now, enjoying the Greatest Game in the world. This is an essential read for everyone not just historians and collectors. Handicap players, elite players, my fellow professionals around the world please enjoy learning through professor Millar's wisdom and research as to why our lives have been so enriched by this beautiful game of Golf.--Mark Roe, Sky TV Golf Presenter"

Author Information

Neil Millar has had a long-standing interest in the history of golf and has written extensively on this topic. He is a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and has served on the R&A Rules of Golf Committee and the R&A Referees Panel. He is Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at University College London (UCL).

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