Continental Country Club

Golf News
Mark Robison, Head Golf Professional

As the 2004 golf season comes to an end, so do our opportunities to play and practice golf. So this article is going to pertain to answering a couple of commonly asked trivia and history questions about the game of golf.

Why are Golf Courses 18 Holes in length? Like many developments throughout golf history, the standardization of 18 holes did not happen as the result of a momentous decision agreed upon by many. And again, like many developments in golf the standardization of 18 holes can be credited to St. Andrews. Prior to the mid-1760s, and right up until the early 1900s, it was common to find golf courses that were comprised of 12 holes, or 19, or 23, or 15, or any other number. Then around 1764, St. Andrews converted from 22 holes to 18 holes. The reason? Well everyone knows 18 holes are easier to take care of than 22! Eighteen holes did not become the standard until the early 1900s, but from 1764 onward, more courses copied the St. Andrews model. Then, in 1858, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews issued new rules. According to Sam Groves, curator of the British Golf Museum, "In 1858, the R&A issued new rules for its members; Rule 1 stated 'one round of the Links or 18 holes is reckoned a match unless otherwise stipulated.' We can only presume that as many clubs looked to the R&A for advice, this was slowly adopted throughout Britain. By the 1870s, therefore, more courses had 18 holes and a round of golf was being accepted as consisting of 18 holes."
Where Did The Word "Golf" Come From? According to the British Golf Museum and the USGA Library, the word "golf" is not an acronym for, "gentleman only, ladies forbidden" which so many people have been convinced to believe. 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.

Hopefully, these answers have cleared up any misconceptions that were once accepted as truth.

Our Pro Shop hours of operation this winter will be 9am to 5pm. If there is snow on the ground, the shop will be closed on weekends and remain open on weekdays.

Winter green fees for the temporary greens will be $6 for nine holes and $12 for eighteen holes. Riding carts will not be available, however, push carts can be rented.

If you have never tried to play winter golf, you should give it a try. The putting is not the greatest, (most people take two putts and then move on), but it's a great way to keep your swing in shape. Its like being on a walking driving range where you can hit the ball at flagsticks and get some exercise at the same time.

We will be having end of the season sales as well as Christmas specials on merchandise. This would be a great time to cross off another name on that Christmas list without fighting the crowds. We offer gift cards for merchandise and/or golf fees for the following season with the dollar amount of your choice. You can also purchase Gift Certificates for golf lessons ranging from beginner to advanced for that special someone. Individual and package lessons are available.

The winter is a great time to have your clubs re-gripped for next season. We have many grips in stock and the turn around time would be the same day or the next day. If we do not have what you want in stock, we can special order, usually within a week without an additional charge. And as a reminder; remember to renew your Handicap card before Jan. 1 to avoid being inactivated. We can help you prepare for next season. So come and visit us this winter for all your golf needs. [top]