26 July 2012 Wray Vamplew - Some different aspects of golf history

Wray Vamplew, Emeritus Professor in Sports Studies at , was guest speaker at the meeting of the and Dunblane Rotary Club at the Westlands Hotel last Thursday.
President Iain Smith introduced Wray to the thirty three assembled members as an authority on the history of many sports, but especially golf. He has written and edited many books on the subject and published over a hundred papers and reports.
Wray started his talk by telling the audience that the origins of golf came to as a result of the trade links between and . He explained that it was originally played in a confined area, most likely a church yard, and was probably a 'putting' competition. However, it was that developed the game to what we know it to be today with tees, greens and bunkers. 
The first rules were created in 1744 on one side of a sheet of paper whereas now the rules are carried by golfers in the form of a small book with well over a hundred pages. In many cases these require a much larger book to be fully understood!!
He also told us that no amateur players played in the 1st Open Championship as the competition was only open to 'Caddies' who were the only professional players. He explained that originally golf was mainly a winter sport as there were no cut fairways and in the summer the grass was too long, not to mention the hazards of grazing animals to contend with. Also, as golf balls were very expensive, players would often have three caddies. One to carry the clubs, another to go ahead to watch where the ball landed and the 'professional' caddy.
To the surprise of the audience he informed us the Ladies Golf Union, which was formed in 1893, was the first golfing organisation to set up a system of handicapping.
John Anderson gave the usual vote of thanks after a most enjoyable and informative talk.
The weather has taken its toll on another event, the Bridge of Allan Games, which were due to take place on 5 August were cancelled. Members were encouraged to come along instead to the King's Park in where there was a 'Pedal for Parkinson's' event taking place and a number of members were intending to participate.