4. Do the following: a. Tell about the early history of golf.

1. Golf Merit Badge – Session 2 4. Do the following: a. Tell about the early history of golf. b. Describe its early years in the United States. c. Tell about the accomplishments of a top golfer of your choice. 5. Discuss with your counselor vocational opportunities related to golf. 6. Do the following: a. Tell how golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically. b. Tell how a golf exercise plan can help you play better. Show two exercises that would improve your game.

2. Golf Merit Badge – Session 2 History In general, the Scots are credited with introducing one thing that distinguishes golf - the hole. By the 1400’s, golf was so popular that King James II banned it as it kept people from archery practice. However, the ban was largely ignored and by 1502, James IV lifted the ban and started playing himself. The first golf clubs were formed in Scotland in the mid 1700. The first set of written rules were developed by Gentlemen Golfers of Leith (1744). The St. Andrews Society of Golfers was formed in 1754, and in 1834 became the now famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. The R&A formalized the rules and 18 holes became the standard. From the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s, the industrial revolution caused golf’s popularity to drop due to long workdays and workweeks. The equipment was expensive and beyond the reach of most people. In the mid-1800s, the introduction of metal blade clubs and gutta-percha golf balls made golf equipment affordable and golf’s popularity revived.

3. History In 1860, the first British national championship was played at the Prestwick Golf Club. This was the precursor to the Open Championship (often called “The British Open”). Golf also becomes popular in the United States. By 1900, there were over 1000 golf clubs In the United States. One major difference between the US and Great Britain was that US courses were landscaped like parks with trees. In Britain, the courses look more areas along the British shore. These courses, called “links”, feature areas of long grass and undergrowth. In 1894, the United States Golf Association was formed. The USGA is the current ruling body for golf in the US and Mexico. Until the late 1800s, professional golfers earned money by giving lessons, caddying, making clubs and by betting on games they played. Eventually, tournaments began to offer prize money. In 1916, the Professional Golfers Association was formed. The PGA now sponsors tournaments where professional golfers can compete for prize money. PGA members also teach golf and run golf courses. In 1951, the Ladies Profession Golfers Association was formed.

4. VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN GOLF Touring Professional – This is what most people think of when they think of a golf pro. These professional go from place to place, playing in tournaments for money. Club Pro – These are PGA professionals who run golf courses. Golf Instructor – These pros spend almost all of their time giving lessons. Course Architect – These are the people who design the layout of the courses. Greens’ Keeper – The greens’ keeper is the head maintenance person at the course. Club Maker – This is a person who makes custom golf clubs. Club/Ball Designer – This is an engineer who designs the clubs and golf balls. They also design the manufacturing processes.

5. Pre-game Stretches Down-ups Grab club towards each end Feet shoulder width apart Bring club over head then down to feet then back up over head again Repeat movement for one minute Waist Rotations Spread feet apart just past shoulder width and rotate upper body Keep lower body motionless Repeat movement for 1 minute Arm Circles Raise arms out to side Begin moving arms in a circular motion Alternate speed direction Do this for 2 minutes Side Bends Grab club towards each end Feet shoulder width apart Hold club over your head Lean body to each side repeatedly holding for brief moment on each side Repeat movement for 1 minute Leg Stretch Spread legs a considerable distance past shoulder width. Lean to each side slowly with hands placed on each knee for balance and support Repeat motion for 1 minute Swing Stretches Make a few slow ¾ swings

6. Lunge With a Twist to Increase Golf Swing Speed Step 1: Assume a standing position with your arms straight and hanging down in front of you, holding your medicine ball or dumbbell. Step 2: As you step forward with one leg, rotate your upper body to that same side, holding the medball or dumbbell chest high the whole time. Step 3: Return to starting position and do the opposite leg. Step 4: Repeat each side 10 times for 3 sets.

7. Golf can be beneficial physically, especially if you walk the golf course. Golfers should develop their cardiovascular system by walking, jogging, climbing stairs or cycling. It can be beneficial mentally, because golf requires competitors to learn how to handle pressure and control emotions, eliminate or control negative Thoughts and think positively, visualize shots and trust yourself and your abilities. Many successful golfers visit with sports psychologists for a mental tune-up, as well as, a golf instructor for a swing tune-up prior to playing tournaments. Improving your mental and physical fitness will positively effect your overall quality of life.