What comes to your mind when you hear the word “golf”? Maybe, a handsome gentleman with a putter in his hand on the green or a golf cart taking some noblemen around the course. There are lots of stereotypes that surround golf and a good number of people enjoy this mysterious and compelling game.
Back To Centuries Ago
No one knows for sure when people started playing golf. Some historians claim that it goes back to the first century BC. The Romans played a game similar to golf. It was called "paganica", and players used a curved stick and a stuffed leather ball. The Chinese state that their ancestors also played a game that was much alike golf in the Middle Ages. They called it "chuiwan".
However, they consider the modern game of golf is originated in Scotland in the XV century during the reign of King James II. Below you can see some facts related to golf.
Event |
Time |
First records of golf clubs appeared |
early 16th-century |
The oldest golf course was created |
in 1672 |
The oldest surviving rules of golf were set |
in the middle of the XVIII century |
The standard 18-hole golf course was created |
in 1764 |
The world's oldest golf tournament that still exists, The Open Championship was first played |
in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, in Ayrshire, Scotland |
The first golf club opened in Australia |
in 1839 |
The Australian Golf Club opened |
in 1882 |
The Australian Golf Union was established |
in 1898 |
Moore Park Golf Course has been operating |
since 1926 |
Golf Nowadays
Today, there are millions of people around the Globe, especially in the British Isles, the USA and Australia who like spending their time off on a golf course, watching golf tournaments, or reading about the sport. Everyone knows the names of popular golfers but there is the name which really stands out. Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time and one of the most famous athletes in history, the sportsman who won over 100 professional golf tournaments and numerous major championships. Once his father said of his son, “He will transcend this game and bring to the world a humanitarianism which has never been known before.” Arnold Palmer quadrupled purses, brought golf away from the country clubs and into our living rooms, and assembled an Army of devoted followers. Although he made his reputation at The Masters — and made the tournament what it is today.
Then, you are sure to hear such names as Nick Faldo, Rocco Mediate, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus and others. They also made golf a greater game. The most famous Aussies are Peter Thomson, David Graham, Karrie Webb, Jason Day and Greg Norman.
Golfers’ Hobby
Do famous golf players enjoy anything else? You will perhaps be surprised to learn that some golfers enjoy gambling, including real online pokies and sports betting. Rory McIlroy is known for his winning streaks both on and off the golf course. However, not long ago he expressed opposition to expanded legal sports betting in the US on concerns that such gambling will lead to an increase in fans heckling players.
John Daly, an American professional golfer is keen on casino games. He prefers blackjack and slots. We don’t know for sure whether he’d rather play offline or online pokies for real money, but he gambled a lot. “I lost about $98 million and won about $45 million gambling,” Daly said.
Tiger Woods likes blackjack and high stakes as well.
Jordan Spieth, one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour, also made a deal with one of the most popular sports betting companies in the US.
Best Australian Online Pokies
There are a huge number of online pokies. You can enjoy classic, video slots on various themes such as; romance, ancient civilizations, travelling, adventure, comics, Hollywood movies. The best online pokies are rich in features, like bonus rounds, free spins and local jackpots. Some of them boast huge progressive jackpots.
Here is the list of Australian online pokies with a rather high return to player percentage, and lots of attractive bonus features.
- Elvis Frog in Vegas
- Dragon Tribe
- Pirate’s Map
- Deadwood
- Lucky Bank Robbers
- Queen and the Dragons
- Vegas Riches
- Break da Bank Again
- Fire Lighting
- Larry the Leprechaun
You can also find pokies with the golf theme. The most famous ones are the Argyle Open and Lucky Shot developed by Microgaming, The Back Nine slot made by Rival, Gold Trophy 2, Play’n Go, Birdy Bucks, RTG and many others. Alex Jones writes about exciting Australian online pokies, other casino games, helpful strategies and gambling news.